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Neuropediatrics 1989; 20(4): 196-198
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1071291
Original article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Effect of Methotrexate on the Development of Synapses in the Neonatal Rat Hippocampus

H.  Igarashi1 , K.  Inomata1 , A.  Tateno2
  • 1Second Department of Anatomy, Toho University School of Medicine, Ohmorinishi 5-21-16, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 143, Japan
  • 2Second Department of Pediatrics, Toho University School of Medicine, Ohashi 2-16-7, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

The effects of postnatal methotrexate (MTX) exposure on the development of synapses in the developing rat hippocampus were examined. The density of E-PTA-stained synaptic junctions per unit area was significantly reduced by MTX exposure either during day 1-5 or 6-10 post partum. It was suggested that administering MTX during the critical period affected the development of synapses in the developing rat brain.

Key words

Methotrexate - Synaptic development - E-PTA-stained synapse - Vulnerable period - Critical period - Rat hippocampus

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