Abstract
The effect of lead on cardiac β-adrenoceptors was studied. Wistar rats used in these trials were divided into seven groups of ten animals each (A-G). Of these, groups B was given drinking water containing 0.01% lead acetate, group C 0.05%, group D 0.1%, group E 0.5%, group F 1% and group G 2% for a period of 60 days. Group A was given pure water. A radioligand-binding assay fulfilling strict criteria of receptor affinity and density was used to quantify cardiac β-adrenoceptors. Application of a trend test indicated that both blood and heart lead levels increased significantly from group A to group G (A < G), but that β-adrenoceptor density decreased (G < A), whereas K(d) did not vary among the seven groups. Linear regression analysis showed that decrease of cardiac β-adrenergic receptor density was closely related to elevation of blood and heart lead levels. The results show that lead exposure results in a reduction of cardiac β-adrenoceptor density.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 27-32 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Toxicology |
Volume | 123 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 21 11 1997 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Blood lead level
- Heart lead level
- Lead
- β-Adrenoceptors