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Cross generation lead ingestion: behavioral and physiological effects in mice
D A Rasile1, P W Stewart, R G Burright
1Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Binghamton 13902, USA.
Brain Research Bulletin
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Generational lead exposure in mice decreased body weight and delayed eye opening. However, surviving mice showed no cumulative behavioral deficits, possibly due to selection for lead tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Neurobehavioral Science
Background:
- Lead exposure is a significant public health concern, particularly for developing organisms.
- Understanding the long-term and transgenerational effects of lead is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental and behavioral consequences of multi-generational lead exposure in mice.
- To determine if lead exposure induces cumulative or residual effects across generations.
Main Methods:
- Binghamton Heterogeneous Stock (HET) mice were exposed to a 0.5% lead acetate solution across one, two, or three generations.
- Developmental markers (body weight, eye opening) and behavioral parameters (nest return latency, activity) were assessed.
- Pup viability and dam survival rates were monitored.
Main Results:
- Lead exposure consistently reduced body weight and delayed eye opening in all exposed generations.
- Successive generations of lead exposure led to a cumulative decrease in pup viability and increased dam mortality.
- No cumulative or residual effects were observed on the behavioral activity of surviving mice.
Conclusions:
- While lead exposure impacts development and survival across generations, behavioral deficits may not be cumulative in surviving populations.
- A potential selection effect for lead-tolerant mice might explain the lack of observed residual behavioral effects.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of lead tolerance and its impact on neurobehavioral outcomes.