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Oxidative stress in mouse brain exposed to lead
Junqing Wang1, Junhui Wu, Zhaoming Zhang
1College of Life Science and Technology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, P.R.China. junqingw@tom.com
The Annals of Occupational Hygiene
|February 1, 2006
Summary
Developmental lead (Pb) exposure in mice significantly reduced brain antioxidant enzyme activity and increased 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). This suggests ALA accumulation-induced oxidative stress may cause neurotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Developmental exposure to lead (Pb) is a significant public health concern.
- Lead is known to cause neurodevelopmental toxicity.
- Antioxidant enzymes play a crucial role in protecting the brain from oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of developmental lead exposure on antioxidant enzyme activities in the brains of mice.
- To explore the relationship between lead accumulation, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) levels, and oxidative stress in the developing brain.
Main Methods:
- BALB dams were exposed to lead acetate in drinking water during gestation and lactation.
- Plasma and brain lead and 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) concentrations were measured in weaned pups.
- Activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase) were assessed in different brain regions of 21-day-old and 70-day-old pups.
Main Results:
- Lead exposure significantly increased plasma and brain lead and ALA concentrations in pups.
- In 21-day-old pups, lead exposure significantly decreased antioxidant enzyme activities in the hypothalamus, corpora quadrigemina, and corpus striatum.
- In 70-day-old pups, lead exposure showed varied effects on antioxidant enzymes, with some activities not significantly decreased, suggesting potential long-term effects.
Conclusions:
- Developmental lead exposure induces oxidative stress in the mouse brain, potentially through the accumulation of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and decreased antioxidant function.
- Oxidative stress mediated by ALA accumulation may be a primary mechanism underlying lead-induced neurotoxicity during development.
- The findings highlight the long-term impact of developmental lead exposure on brain antioxidant systems.
