Abstract
The changes in activity of N-methyltransferase 1 and [3H]-S-adenosylhomocysteine binding were determined in cortical membranes preparations from newborn and 1-, 2-and 10-month-old rats. These parameters were significantly higher: + 130 and 200%, respectively,in 1-day compared to 2-month-old rats (adult). With maturation, S-adenosylmethionine levels decreased (-24%) whereas adenosine levels increased gradually from 0.17 to 6.10 nmol/mg protein in forebrain or whole brain between 1-day and 10-month-old rats. The ontogenesis of adenosine receptors was studied. The A(2) receptors were not detectable at 1 day. For A(1) receptors, K(d) and B(max) increased with age while for A(2) receptors K(d) and B(max)were similar between 9 days and 2 months of age.