2-Deoxyglucose uptake in the developing rat brain upon pre- and postnatal exposure to trichloroethylene.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a widespread contaminant of drinking water sources. The effects of TCE on 2-deoxyglucose uptake by brain tissue were examined in pups from rat dams exposed to TCE in their drinking water. The pups were exposed throughout gestation and lactation. Deoxyglucose uptake in the cerebellum, hippocampus and whole brain of the pups during the first 21 days of life was measured using a modification of the 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) technique. We determined that TCE at a nominal concentration of 312 mg/l significantly depressed 2-DG uptake in the whole brains and cerebella of 7- to 21-day old pups. 2-DG uptake was also lower in the hippocampus of exposed pups at 7, 11 and 16 days, but returned to control levels by 21 days. No overt toxicity, such as lower body or brain weight, was observed at this exposure level. This decrease in 2-DG uptake reflects a decrease in glucose uptake and/or metabolism in the brains of animals exposed to TCE.

Effect of trichloroethylene on the exploratory and locomotor activity of rats exposed during development.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a common contaminant of underground water supplies. To examine the effect of TCE on the developing central nervous system, rats were exposed to TCE throughout gestation until 21 days postpartum via their dams' drinking water. TCE concentrations of 312 mg/l, 625 mg/l and 1250 mg/l were tested. Exploratory behavior was higher in 60- and 90-day old male rats which were exposed to any level of TCE. The effect of TCE-exposure on locomotor activity (running wheel) was also examined in 60-day old males (625 and 1250 ppm exposure groups). Locomotor activity was significantly higher in rats exposed to 1250 ppm TCE. These data suggest that TCE has long-term effects on behaviour.

Creatine phosphokinase in Rana pipiens: expression in embryos, early larvae and adult tissues.

1. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) isozymes found in Rana pipiens are similar to those found elsewhere; muscle-specific (MM-CPK), brain-specific (BB-CPK) and intermediate hybrid (MB-CPK) isozymes were identified. 2. Adult tissues exhibit CPK isozyme patterns similar to other vertebrates although variations are notable in nervous tissue, liver and kidney. 3. CPK isozyme patterns in ovarian eggs, ovulated eggs and selected stages of early development demonstrate a significant rise in CPK with neurulation. Most notable is a sharp increase in brain-specific BB-CPK. 4. MM-CPK purified from skeletal muscle is found to be similar, in properties studied, to the corresponding isozyme in other vertebrate species.