Developmental exposure to paracetamol causes biochemical alterations in medulla oblongata

• Developmental exposure disturbs neurotransmission in medulla oblongata.
• Changes are related to noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission.
• Major changes in the level of amino acids are related to alanine and taurine.

The effect and safety of prenatal and early life administration of paracetamol – routinely used over-the-counter antipyretic and analgesic medication on monoamines content and balance of amino acids in the medulla oblongata is still unknown. In this study we have determined the level of neurotransmitters in this structure in two-month old Wistar male rats exposed to paracetamol in the dose of 5 (P5, n = 10) or 15 mg/kg b.w. (P15, n = 10) during prenatal period, lactation and till the end of the second month of life. Control group received drinking water (Con, n = 10).Monoamines, their metabolites and amino acids concentration in medulla oblongata of rats were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in 60 postnatal day (PND60).This experiment shows that prenatal and early life paracetamol exposure modulates neurotransmission associated with serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic system in medulla oblongata. Reduction of alanine and taurine levels has also been established.

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