Action of lead on neurotransmission in rats

1. The neurotoxic effect of lead on the catecholaminergic and cholinergic nervous systems has been investigated using a rat model of lead exposure. 2. This model of lead exposure resulted in significant quantities of lead accumulating in the blood, brain and femur of the lead-exposed animals. 3. The biochemical effect of lead on brain neurochemistry was dependent on the degree and duration of lead exposure. However, the data points to a selective action of lead, with the midbrain and diencephalon being prime targets while very few lead-related alterations were observed in the cerebellum or the telencephalon. 4. Within the catecholaminergic nervous system, lead exposure resulted in alterations in the concentrations of the transmitters, noradrenaline and dopamine, in addition to changes in the activities of the enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase and phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase. The activity of the cholinergic biosynthetic enzyme, choline acetyltransferase was also noted to be altered by lead exposure.