Differential effects of lead and zinc on inhibitory avoidance learning in mice
Braz. j. med. biol. res
;
34(1): 117-20, Jan. 2001. tab
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-277064
ABSTRACT
We studied the effects of chronic intoxication with the heavy metals lead (Pb2+) and zinc (Zn2+) on memory formation in mice. Animals were intoxicated through drinking water during the pre- and postnatal periods and then tested in the step-through inhibitory avoidance memory task. Chronic postnatal intoxication with Pb2+ did not change the step-through latency values recorded during the 4 weeks of the test (ANOVA, P>0.05). In contrast, mice intoxicated during the prenatal period showed significantly reduced latency values when compared to the control group (day 1 q = 4.62, P<0.05; day 7 q = 4.42, P<0.05; day 14 q = 5.65, P<0.05; day 21 q = 3.96, P<0.05, and day 28 q = 6.09, P<0.05). Although chronic postnatal intoxication with Zn2+ did not alter a memory retention test performed 24 h after training, we noticed a gradual decrease in latency at subsequent 4-week intervals (F = 3.07, P<0.05), an effect that was not observed in the control or in the Pb2+-treated groups. These results suggest an impairment of memory formation by Pb2+ when the animals are exposed during the critical period of neurogenesis, while Zn2+ appears to facilitate learning extinction
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Retention, Psychology
/
Avoidance Learning
/
Zinc
/
Lead
Limits:
Animals
/
Pregnancy
Language:
English
Journal:
Braz. j. med. biol. res
Journal subject:
Biology
/
Medicine
Year:
2001
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Universidade Federal de Sergipe/BR
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