Prenatal reserpine administration: permanent changes in adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase.

Reserpine (1 mg/kg) was administered to pregnant rats on days 12, 13 and 14 of gestation. Although adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase activities were normal in the offspring at 4 days of postnatal age, both were elevated by 17 days and the elevations persisted into adulthood. The changes may result from permanently increased sympatho-adrenal stimulation.