title: Polychlorinated biphenyls produce regional alterations of dopamine metabolism in rat brain.
abstract: Adult male rats were gavaged with a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs; Aroclors 1254 and 1260) at either 500 or 1000 mg/kg body weight. Concentrations of dopamine (DA) and its major metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), were determined in caudate nucleus and lateral olfactory tract on postgavage Days 1, 3, 7 and 14. DA and DOPAC concentrations in caudate decreased after exposure to PCBs, as did HVA/DA ratios. DA concentrations in the lateral olfactory tract were unaffected, although DOPAC/DA ratios decreased. These results demonstrate that the mature mammalian nervous system is sensitive to a brief exposure to PCBs and that regional differences exist in the neurochemical sequelae of exposure to PCBs.
mesh_terms: D015102:3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D004298:Dopamine / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D006719:Homovanillic Acid / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000633:toxicity*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012044:Regression Analysis
chemical_list: D015102:3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls; D004298:Dopamine; D006719:Homovanillic Acid