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Published on: July 12, 2012
[Toxicity of manganese exposure on the postnatal development of brain in mice]
Dexing Zhang1, Xinhong He, Shaoming Huang
1Guangdong College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou 510224, China.
Abstract:
The toxicity of manganese exposure on the postnatal development of brain in mice was investigated. Muscle motor ability was examined by Morris Water Maze, spontaneous action by Open Field Maze, neuro-anxiety by Elevated Plus Arms Maze. Lipid peroxides (LPO) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of brain was detected by neurobiochemical assay; glial fibrillary protein acid (GFAP) immunoreactivity was observed by cytoimmunochemistry. The results showed that in Mn-exposed group: (1) the length of body was significantly reduced; (2) the latency for reaching the platform above water in Morris Water Maze Test was longer, the walking squares and spontaneous rears in Open Field Maze, and the entries to open arms and the ratio of entries for open arms to entries for total arms in Elevated Plus Arms Maze were significantly increased; (3) LPO was obvious increased and SOD activity was decreased in brain; (4) GFAP immuno-reactivity and the average proportional density of GFAP-positive products in dendritic gyrus of cerebral cortex were significantly increased. More significant changes had been observed in the high Mn-exposed group. It was suggested that manganese exposure could lead to behavioral, neurobiochemical and cytoimmunochemical toxicity of brain in postnatal development.
Insights
Manganese exposure harms developing mouse brains, causing motor skill deficits and increased neuroinflammation. High manganese levels led to more severe behavioral and biochemical changes, indicating significant developmental toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Context:
- Manganese is an essential nutrient but toxic at high levels.
- Postnatal development is a critical period for brain vulnerability.
- Understanding manganese toxicity is crucial for public health.
Purpose:
- To investigate the toxic effects of manganese exposure on postnatal brain development in mice.
- To assess behavioral, neurobiochemical, and cytoimmunochemical changes following manganese exposure.
Summary:
- Manganese exposure in mice reduced body length and impaired motor function (Morris Water Maze).
- Behavioral tests revealed increased anxiety and altered spontaneous activity (Elevated Plus Arms Maze, Open Field Maze).
- Neurobiochemical assays showed increased lipid peroxides and decreased superoxide dismutase activity, alongside elevated GFAP immunoreactivity indicating neuroinflammation.
Impact:
- Manganese exposure induces significant behavioral, neurobiochemical, and cytoimmunochemical toxicity in the developing brain.
- These findings highlight the risks of manganese exposure during critical developmental periods.
- The study provides evidence for neuroprotective strategies against manganese-induced developmental toxicity.
