Two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis of myocardial proteins from lead-exposed rabbits.
Despite reported adverse effects, the cardiovascular toxicity of lead remains controversial. The purpose of the present study was to determine if low-level subchronic exposure of rabbits to lead would produce detectable, concentration-dependent changes in myocardial proteins. Lead was administered to male Dutch Belted rabbits as a lead acetate solution, adjusted weekly to achieve and maintain the target blood lead levels of 0, 20, 40, and 80 microg/dL for 15 weeks. Lead exposures did not affect heart or body weights. Myocardial concentrations of lead at sacrifice were 58+/-25, 69+/-23, 102+/-62, and 105+/-37 ng/g. Of 808 individual proteins resolved by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) in ventricular homogenates, 162 had coefficients of variation < 20%. A number of proteins were tentatively identified based on coordinate positions homologous to other established 2-DE patterns. Despite variable expression of some protein spots, none of the protein abundances analyzed were found to be significantly altered (P < 0.001) by the lead exposures studied. Therefore results show no detectable effect of a low-body burden of lead on major myocardial proteins of the rabbit.
Toraason
M
M
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Moorman
W
W
Mathias
P I
PI
Fultz
C
C
Witzmann
F
F
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D009206:Myocardium / Q000737:chemistry*; D009929:Organ Size / Q000502:physiology; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D011817:Rabbits
D011506:Proteins