Pre- and postnatal lead exposure affects the serotonergic system in the immature rat brain.
The effect of pre- and postnatal lead exposure on the development of the serotonergic system in striatum and brain stem was investigated. Serotonin and its metabolite 5-HIAA where determined by HPLC-EC. A significant decrease of 5-HT was detected in the brain stem at postnatal day 28. At both days 6 and 28 postnatal, 5-HIAA was reduced in striatum and brain stem. The results provide support to the hypothesis that developing 5-HT neurons are sensitive to relatively low levels of lead exposure.
Widmer
H R
HR
Institute of Pharmacology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
Bütikofer
E E
EE
Schlumpf
M
M
Lichtensteiger
W
W
D000818:Animals; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D005260:Female; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D007774:Lactation; D007854:Lead / Q000633:toxicity*; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D014793:Visual Cortex / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000196:embryology
D007854:Lead; D012701:Serotonin; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid