Investigations Into the Neurochemical Aberrations Associated With Lead Exposure

Medicine, Toxicology

McIntosh, Morna Jean

University:University of Glasgow

关键词: Medicine, Toxicology;   

Others  :  http://theses.gla.ac.uk/77394/1/10991856.pdf

来源: University of Glasgow

【 摘 要 】

Lead is a toxin, of that there is no doubt. It has long been recognised that exposure to this metal can produce profound neurotoxic manifestations. Current awareness centres on the more subtle neurological deficits associated with chronic exposure to 'low-level' lead. The biochemical lesions associated with the slight cognitive derangements are uncertain. The data in this thesis is concerned with the investigation of these biochemical aberrations associated with lead exposure, using the rat as a model. The results indicate alterations in several neurochemical systems. Both the cholinergic and adrenergic nervous systems are investigated, and significantly altered levels of neurotransmitters are noted, as well as alterations in the activity of metabolic enzymes associated with these neurotransmitter systems. A chapter is also devoted to the investigation of the influence of lead on tetrahydro-biopterin, the essential cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase as well as other enzymes. The influence of lead on the haematopoietic system is well known and associated with this effect, the influence of lead on haem biosynthesis within the rat brain is also investigated.