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Published on: October 24, 2018
Amphetamine and stress responses in developmentally lead-exposed rats
Miriam B Virgolini1, M Volosin, A S Fulginiti
1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, National University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina. virgolin@eohsi.rutgers.edu
Neurotoxicology and Teratology
|March 17, 2004
Summary
Developmental lead (Pb) exposure in rats caused increased locomotor activity and altered corticosterone (CS) stress response in young offspring. These effects, however, were transient and not observed in adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Developmental exposure to environmental toxins like lead (Pb) can impact neurobehavioral outcomes.
- Lead exposure is known to affect the stress response system, involving hormones like corticosterone (CS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of developmental lead exposure on locomotor activity and amphetamine (AMPH) response in young rats.
- To examine the relationship between locomotor activity, stress response (CS secretion), and lead exposure.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant Wistar dams were exposed to lead (Pb) in drinking water during gestation and lactation.
- Locomotor activity response to amphetamine (AMPH) and saline (SAL) was assessed in 35-day-old male offspring.
- Time course analysis of corticosterone (CS) secretion and locomotor performance was conducted.
Main Results:
- Developmental Pb exposure did not alter AMPH-induced locomotor response but increased activity after SAL injection.
- Pb-exposed rats showed higher basal CS levels and exaggerated stress-induced CS secretion.
- Habituation to SAL injections normalized CS secretion and locomotor response, without affecting AMPH response.
- These behavioral and hormonal disruptions were absent in adulthood.
Conclusions:
- The locomotor-stimulating effect of AMPH in Pb-exposed rats is independent of the animal's arousal state.
- Low-level developmental Pb exposure induces transient hyperlocomotion and altered CS secretion in young rats.
- These findings suggest a temporary disruption in integrated behavioral and hormonal regulation following early-life lead exposure.
