Pre- and postnatal lead exposure affects the serotonergic system in the immature rat brain. |
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| Authors: | H R Widmer E E Bütikofer M Schlumpf W Lichtensteiger |
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| Institution: | Institute of Pharmacology, University of Zurich, Switzerland. |
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| Abstract: | The effect of pre- and postnatal lead exposure on the development of the serotonergic system in striatum and brain stem was investigated. Serotonin and its metabolite 5-HIAA where determined by HPLC-EC. A significant decrease of 5-HT was detected in the brain stem at postnatal day 28. At both days 6 and 28 postnatal, 5-HIAA was reduced in striatum and brain stem. The results provide support to the hypothesis that developing 5-HT neurons are sensitive to relatively low levels of lead exposure. |
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