Alterations in beta-adrenergic receptor density and adenylate cyclase activity in the rat brain treated chronically...

Behavioral and memory impairment resulting from lead exposure is well known but the mechanism is not. We utilized the brain of lead exposed rats to investigate this problem. In an effort to elucidate the mechanism responsible for this alteration we examined blood and brain lead levels, brain beta-adrenoceptor density and cyclic AMP production in lead exposed rats. Wistar rats used in these trials were divided into six groups of ten animals each. Five groups were given drinking water containing 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2% lead acetate for a period of 60 days. One group (control group, 0% lead acetate) was given pure water. Application of a trend test indicated that both blood and brain lead levels increased significantly from group 0% to group 2% (group 0%