Maternal Lead Exposure Effects on the Expression of P2X7 Receptor in the Hippocampus of Mouse Pups
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Abstract:
In order to investigate the effects of maternal lead (Pb) exposure on the expression of P2X7 receptor in the hippocampus of mouse offspring, female mice were administered Pb through their drinking water, from the first day of gestation until the pups were weaned, at 21 days of age. Lead acetate was dissolved in distilled deionized water at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1%. The control group received only distilled water. At postnatal day 21, blood and hippocampal Pb levels were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, and the expression of P2X7 receptor in the hippocampus was examined by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Blood and hippocampal Pb levels of all lead-exposure groups were significantly higher compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of P2X7 receptor was increased in Pb-exposed groups in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). Maternal Pb exposure led to the Pb accumulation in mouse pups, and it increased Pb levels in the blood and hippocampus. Consequently, P2X7 receptor was overexpressed in the hippocampus of these pups, which may contribute to the dysfunction of hippocampal neurons, causing damage in the nervous system and neurotoxicity.
