Toxic effects of methoxychlor in rat striatum: modifications in several neurotransmitters

ABSTRACT

Neurotoxic effects of methoxychlor (MTX) are poorly understood at present.This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible effects of MTX in norepinephrine,dopamine and amino acid contents and serotonin turnover in rat striatum. Forthis purpose, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 25 mg/kg/day ofMTX in sesame oil or vehicle only for 30 days. The neurotransmitters of interestwere measured in the striatum by HPLC. MTX decreased norepinephrine and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) content and serotonin turnover (measured as 5-HIAA/serotonin ratio), and increased glutamate and GABA concentrations. However,the content of serotonin, aspartate, glutamine and taurine was not modified byMTX exposure. These data suggest that MTX exposure inhibits norepinephrine synthesisand serotonin metabolism. The inhibitory effect on norepinephrine could beexplained, at least in part, by the increase of both GABA and glutamate contents.Further studies are needed to understand the effects of MTX on serotonin. Also adisruptive effect of MTX on the metabolisms of glutamate, aspartate, glutamine andGABA emerges (AU)

RESUMEN

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