DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/K76H-NS27
Defense Date
2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Physiology
First Advisor
Carmen Sato-Bigbee
Abstract
Treatment with buprenorphine represents a promising alternative for pregnant opioid addicts but there is a need to understand potential effects on nervous system development. We previously showed effects of perinatal exposure to buprenorphine on axonal caliber and myelination in 26-day-old rat corpus callosum. These changes, detected at the end of rapid brain myelination and accompanied by earlier oligodendrocyte maturation, suggested interference with mechanisms coordinating axonal growth and myelination. To better understand buprenorphine actions and to establish whether these effects extend to the spinal cord, we analyzed the corpus callosum and corticospinal tract at 16 days of age, just before the peak of myelination. Our results point to an important role of the opioid system in regulating early axo-glial interactions coordinating axonal growth and myelination. Moreover, in addition to reinforcing previous findings in the brain, we showed for the first time that these effects are also exerted in the spinal cord.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
August 2011