Abstract
Studies on the rat indicate that, as suggested by human case reports, early propranolol exposure results in a growth deficit. Brain weight was significantly smaller in suckling rats given daily propranolol 50 mg/kg by gavage starting on day 4. Mean brain weight was 1.36±0.02g vs 1.45±0.01g in vehicle treated controls (p<0.01). To determine whether there was a functional deficit accompanying the anatomical one, behavioural studies were carried out when the rats were 50-60 days of age. Propranolol exposed animals required significantly more trials to reach criterion on a passive avoidance task. There was a trend toward decreased head dip response. Rats given propranolol 50 mg/kg but supplemented with triiodothyronine (T3) in a dose of 700 ng/kg performed normally on passive avoidance and were intermediate in head dip between PRO treated rats and vehicle controls.
Conclusion: Early propranolol exposure produces an alteration in behavioural development. T3 supplementation protects against this effect of propranolol.
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Redmond, G., Riley, E. & Soyka, L. 363 ALTERED BEHAVIOURAL DEVELOPMENT AFTER EARLY PROPRANOLOL EXPOSURE. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 500 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00374
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00374