Effects of lead exposure on rat brain catecholaminergic neurochemistry.
1. The effects of lead on catecholaminergic neurotransmission have been investigated. 2. Using the rat as a model, animals were exposed both acutely and chronically to lead. The levels of catecholamines, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine along with the activities of tyrosine hydroxylase and phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase were measured in 5 brain regions--cerebral cortex, brainstem, hippocampus, anterior and posterior hypothalamus. 3. A lead related reduction in the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase was observed in association with alterations in steady-state levels of the catecholamines in the posterior and anterior hypothalamus. 4. Thus, lead exposure, known to result in behavioural changes, is associated with localised neurochemical effects on the hypothalamus.
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000201:enzymology; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000378:metabolism*; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D010625:Phenylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013997:Time Factors; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000378:metabolism
D002395:Catecholamines; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase; D010625:Phenylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase