J Korean Neurol Assoc.  1993 Dec;11(4):487-497.

Effects of dietary w3/w6 fatty acids on the rat brain neurotransmitters

• Chung EJ
• Lee KE
• Bahang HR
• Kim KH
• Kim JS
• Lee YC

Abstract

It has been suggested that nutrients may alter synthesis, release and activ ities of neurotransmitters which are closely related with synaptic membrane rich in long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) LCPUFA. Especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA C22:6 w3) and arachidonic acid(AAC20:4 w6) are known to accumulate during lactation for rat when brain development is at its maximum rate. Suggesting the necessity of these fatty acids during this critical time of brain development Although the production and release of some neurotransmitters can be stimulated by dietary means, much of the mechanism relating nutrients. Neurotransmitters and behaviors remains to be proven. In this study, we examined the effects of maternal dietary fatt!- acids on the brain neurotransmitters in the developing rat brain. Experimental diets consisted of 10% (wt, wt) fat:corn oil (CO:source of w6 fatty acid, C18:2). Perilla oil (PO: source of w3 fatty acid. C18:3) and fish oil (FO: source of long chain w3 fatty acid C20:5 C22:6). Each of these 3 diets was supplemented with 1000IU/Kg diet of vitamin E (CE. PE. FE) and was given from the beginning of Pregnancy At 3, 7, and 16 weeks of offspring s age. The concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and catecholamines in frontal cortex, corpus striatum, thalamus/hypothalamus cerebellum were measured by HPLC-ECD. The results obtained are summarized as follows:1. The concentrations of neurotransmitters vary from one site to the other of the brain; the highest norepinephrine as found in thalamus/hypothalamus. The highest dopamine (DA) in striatum and the highest 5-HT in thalamus/hypothalarnus and striatum. This indicates that the neurotransmitters have specific roles and sites of actions in different areas of the brain. 2. At 3 weeks of age. The concentration of NE and DA showed the lowest concentrations in the FO group(p<0.05). Compared to the CO or the PO group. At 16 weeks however. The concentrations of all neurotransmitters measured became similar. 3. It was noted that u-hile the con.

MeSH Terms

Animals
Brain*
Catecholamines
Cerebellum
Corpus Striatum
Diet
Dopamine
Fatty Acids*
Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
Female
Lactation
Neurotransmitter Agents*
Norepinephrine
Perilla
Pregnancy
Rats*
Serotonin
Synaptic Membranes
Vitamin E
Vitamins
Catecholamines
Dopamine
Fatty Acids
Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
Neurotransmitter Agents
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
Vitamin E
Vitamins