Inhibition of ROS elevation and damage to mitochondrial function prevents lead-induced neurotoxic effects on structures and functions of AFD neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Here we investigated the possible roles of oxidative stress in the formation of decreased thermotaxis to cultivation temperature in lead (Pb)-exposed nematodes Caenorhabditis elagans. Exposure to Pb at the examined concentrations decreased thermotaxis behaviors, and induced severe deficits in the structural properties of AFD sensory neurons. Meanwhile, Pb exposure caused the induction of severe oxidative damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial dysfunction in young adults. Moreover, pre-treatment with the antioxidants dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ascorbate and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), used to inhibit both the ROS elevation and the mitochondrial dysfunction caused by Pb exposure, at the L2-larval stage prevented the induction of oxidative damage and the formation of severe deficits in thermotaxis and structural properties of AFD sensory neurons in Pb-exposed young adults. Therefore, the formation of oxidative stress caused by Pb exposure may be due to both the induction of ROS elevation and damage to mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress may play a key role in inducing the neurotoxic effects on the structures and function of AFD sensory neurons in Pb-exposed nematodes.
Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering in Ministry of Education, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China. qlwu@seu.edu.cn
Qiuli
Q
Wu
Peidang
P
Liu
Yinxia
Y
Li
Min
M
Du
Xiaojuan
X
Xing
Dayong
D
Wang
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D048430:Cell Shape / Q000187:drug effects; D007854:Lead / Q000633:toxicity*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000633:toxicity*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000187:drug effects; D013696:Temperature
D000975:Antioxidants; D009498:Neurotoxins; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D007854:Lead