Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of neurotensin (NT) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRF)-like immunoreactive materials (LIM) were measured in 22 infant and children 6 days to 15 years of age. For both neuropeptides there was a marked age-related exponential decline in CSF concentrations. The most prominent decrease in CSF neuropeptide concentrations was seen during the first 24 months of postnatal life. From 1 year and on there was no or only minimal age-associated alteration in CSF neuropeptide concentrations. In this group of children (1-15 years) mean CSF concentrations of NT-LIM and CRF-LIM were 36.8 ± 4.32 and 65.9 ± 4.63 pg/ml, respectively. As CSF neuropeptide concentrations are apparently independent of circulating serum concentrations, they may reflect functional activity of neuropeptide-containing neurons and therefore may be of value in the assessment of the role of peptides in the human central nervous system function and behavior.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 260-267 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Biology of the Neonate |
Volume | 55 |
Issue number | 4-5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1989 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Developmental Biology