Perinatal lead exposure alters postnatal cholinergic and aminergic system in rat brain: reversal effect of calcium co‐administration

Abstract

Our earlier studies indicated the role of neurotransmitter systems in lead (Pb) induced behavioral perturbations. In this study, we examined the alterations in synaptosomal acetylcholine (ACh), epinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the cerebellum and hippocampus of perinatally Pb-exposed rats. Rats (Wistar) were exposed to 0.2% Pb (Pb acetate in drinking water of mother) from gestational day 6 and the pups were exposed lactationally (through mother's milk) to Pb till weaning (postnatal day 21). Studies conducted on different postnatal days (PND 21, 28, 35 and 60) showed significant decreases in synaptosomal AChE and mitochondrial MAO activities, and increases in the levels of ACh, dopamine and epinephrine in the cerebellum and hippocampus of Pb-exposed rats. These alterations were greater at PND 35 and more pronounced in the cholinergic system (ACh and AChE) of hippocampus and the aminergic system (epinephrine, dopamine and MAO) of cerebellum. The total locomotor activity and exploratory behavior were also decreased significantly in Pb-exposed animals corresponding to the alterations observed in cholinergic and aminergic systems. Calcium administration together with Pb, however significantly reversed the Pb-induced alterations in transmitters and enzymes, as well as exploratory and motor behavior suggesting protective effect of calcium in Pb-exposed animals.

Chronic Exposure to Tributyltin Induces Brain Functional Damage in Juvenile Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

“…AChE plays a crucial role in synaptic transmission at cholinergic synapses by controlling the action of acetylcholine [47]. MAO also plays a vital role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin [48].…”

Effect of Tributyltin, Cadmium, and Their Combination on Physiological Responses in Juvenile Grass Carp

“…AChE plays a central role in neurotransmission in fish brains by controlling the action of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses (Basha et al 2012). MAO plays a vital role in the oxidative deamination of amine neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin (Devi et al 2005).…”

Protective Effect ofThunbergia laurifolia(Linn.) on Lead Induced Acetylcholinesterase Dysfunction and Cognitive Impairment in Mice

“…This suggests that the antioxidant capacity of TL aqueous leaf extract results from the contribution of phenolic compounds. They may also have metal chelating potential [22]. …”

“…At cholinergic synapses, AChE plays a crucial role in synaptic transmission by controlling the action of choline disorders of AChE that has been implicated in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorder [22]. However, TL significantly restored AChE of brain in Pb treated mice, suggesting that TL could protect neurotoxicity by reversing the Pb induced AChE dysfunction (Figure 4).…”