期刊名称:Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology
印刷版ISSN:0301-4800
电子版ISSN:1881-7742
出版年度:1992
卷号:38
期号:5
页码:451-462
DOI:10.3177/jnsv.38.451
出版社:Center for Academic Publications Japan
摘要:The brain biochemistry in terms of certain key substances of brain were studied in 18% protein and 6% protein-fed rats following lead ingestion at a level of 1% in the diet. Lead ingestion diminished the protein and increased the RNA content of brain, and, consequently reduced the protein/RNA ratio. The RNA/DNA ratio in brain was elevated in lead toxicity, while the protein/DNA ratio remained unaltered. The RNase and DNase activities of brain were decreased. Lead treatment diminished the glutathione (GSH) level of blood but the GSH level of brain was not altered significantly by the lead treatment. The plasma protein level was also diminished after lead treatment. The effects of lead on some of these parameters were found to be more pronounced in rats receiving the 6% protein diet. The serotonin (5-HT) level of brain was reduced, while the norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) levels of brain were elevated following lead treatment. The monoamine oxidase (MAO) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) activities and 5-hydroxy-indole acetic acid (5-HIAA) content of brain were elevated in lead-ingested rats. The effects of lead on thesee parameters were found to be potentiated when the rats were fed on a 6% protein diet. These studies suggest that lead at the present dose affects brain biochemistry in terms of both nucleic acids and amine metabolism, and protein deficiency potenti-ates some of these lead-induced changes.