The entry of lead into the brain after experimental administration of lead acetate

Lead is a ubiquitous environmental toxin that induces a broad range of fysiological, biochemical and behavioral dysfunctions in man and in experimental animals. The present study is focused on the effect of lead on the central nervous system, which is considered to be most deleterious, especially alterations of cognitive and behavioral functions. New concepts in the neurotoxicology of lead include advances in understanding mechanisms of lead-induced damage to the nervous system, like induction of oxidative stress. In the experimental part the entry of lead into the brain of mature mice after long-term exposure to lead acetate (PbAc) and the influence of lead on cognitive function and motoric skills of exposed animals were observed. Cognitive function was tested in Morris water maze, motoric tests were performed on rotating cylinder and horizontal wire. Healthy and neurodefective Lurcher mutant mice were used. Further the influence of lead on the development of oxidative stress in the brain by fluorescent spectroscopy was studied. Lipofuscin-like pigments were used as indicators of oxidative stress. The prominent accumulation of lead in the brain of exposed animals as compared to controls was observed after the long-term exposure of mice to PbAc. No changes in motoric or cognitive functions in healthy or..