Influence of altering dietary protein levels during early development of the rat on the activity of several brain enzymes
Coupain, J.G.; Tyzbir, R.S.; Beecher, G.R.
Journal of Nutrition 107(6): 1102-1113
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3166 PMID: 140929 Document Number: 113051
Diets were similar to and were given as in the previous abst. The young from each litter were randomly reassigned to these dietary groups at weaning or at birth. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH), phosphofructokinase (PFK), fructose biphosphate aldolase (aldolase) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) were estimated in brain tissue at 21 and 42 days post partum. Bodyweights and brain weights were reduced and AChE activity was increased in rats given the diet low in protein during gestation and lactation or after weaning. The young given excess protein after weaning had increased AChE activity at 42 days of age. The effects of protein restriction varied, and depended on the period of development during which protein was restricted, and on the age of the rat when killed. Responses to excess protein were frequently similar to protein deficiency effects, but less severe. Rehabilitation of protein-deprived young was better when begun at birth than after weaning; excess protein did not affect rehabilitation.