[Effect of rat prenatal lead exposure on the gene transcription level of POU-domain protein Brn-3a of offspring brain].
OBJECTIVE
To explore rat prenatal lead exposure on gene transcription level of Brn-3a mRNA in the neurons of central nervous system.


METHODS
The pregnant rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, which were provided with distilled water and contenting 0.5g/L, 1.0g/L and 2.0g/L lead acetate solution drinking water respectively, the lead-exposed period for exposure groups were limited from the 15th day after pregnancy to the 21st day when the offspring began to weaned, Brn-3a mRNA transcription level were observed by polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization.


RESULTS
The RT-PCR results showed that Brn-3a mRNA transcription level significantly decreased in neural cells from cerebral hippocampus in all lead treatment groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05), but in cerebral cortex and cerebellum, we had not seen the same result. The in situ hybridization results showed that Brn-3a mRNA transcription level significantly decreased in high dose lead group in cerebral cortex and cerebellum (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The study indicated that Brn-3a mRNA transcription level significantly decreased in neural cells from cerebral hippocampus. It might participate in the neurological toxicity as a transcription regular factor damaging the learning and memory ability induced by lead.
Chang
Wei
W
Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, Wuhan 430030, China. changwei-428@sina.com
Wu
Qing
Q
An
Shejuan
S
Chen
Jun
J
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D007854:Lead / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D050819:Transcription Factor Brn-3A / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D050819:Transcription Factor Brn-3A; D007854:Lead