[Free-radical processes and glutamate metabolism in the brain of newborn rats developed in uteroplacental circulatory insufficiency].

Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant system, nitric oxide and glutamate metabolism were studied in the brain of 2-day-old rats who had developed in the conditions of experimental deficiency of uteropla- cental circulation. It was found that in such rats lipid peroxidation activated while antioxidant defense decreased. Content of L-arginin - substrate of nitric oxide synthesis and concentration of its end metabolites increased evidencing for hyperproduction of NO in homogenates of the brain of experimental animals. Concentration of glutamate and activity of basic enzymes involved in regulation of its metabolic (glutamatdehydrogenase) and neurotransmitter pool (glutaminase) were significantly elevated in rats who had developed in conditions of intrauterine hypoxia. Correlations were established between hyperproduction of nitric oxide, glutamate concentration and lipid peroxidation processes.