Journal of Comprehensible Results

Myelin basic proteins (MBP) comprise 30% of total myelin proteins. There are multiple different versions of MBP that are created through alternative splicing of a single gene[5]. Three different versions of myelin basic proteins were examined. The results for one form of myelin basic protein is shown in figure 3 and the other two forms had very similar results.

There was a significant increase in myelin basic proteins at all ages for rats that received 0.3 mg/kg/day of buprenorphine. For those treated with 1 mg/kg/day of buprenorphine, there was a significant decrease in rats at 12 days and there was no significant difference at 19 and 26 days of age. There was also no differences in MBP levels between the different isoforms, indicated that they are affected the same.

The increase of MBPs at the lower dosage across all age groups, coupled with the significant decrease at the higher dosage for the 12 day old group suggests a dose-specific response.

Because there was only a decrease at the higher dosage for 12 day old rats, it indicates that myelination is delayed, but not prevented since the 19 and 26 day age group reaches levels that are similar to the control.

Figure 3: Relative levels of myelin basic protein The level of myelin basic proteins is estimated in comparison to the control group which received no buprenorphine. The red star indicates a significant change from the control. These results were obtained by performing a Western Blot

Adapted from "Opioid Addiction and Pregnancy:Perinatal Exposure to Buprenorphine Affects Myelination in the Developing Brain." by Sanchez E, Bigbee J, Fobbs W, Robinson S, Sato-Bigbee C, 2008, GLIA, 56, p. 1020. Copyright 2008 by Wiley-Liss, Inc.