Chronic manganese treatment of rats alters synaptosomal uptake of dopamine and the behavioural response to amphetamine administration

Postnatal manganese exposure alters the expression of D2L and D2S receptor isoforms: relationship to PKA activity and Akt levels

Postnatal manganese chloride (Mn) exposure causes persistent changes in presynaptic dopamine (DA) functioning (e.g., Mn reduces DA transporter levels and DA uptake), but evidence that Mn affects postsynaptic DA receptors and their associated second messenger systems is equivocal. Therefore, a goal of the present study was to determine whether exposing rats to Mn on postnatal days (PD) 1-21 would cause long-term alterations in D2 long (D2L) and D2 short (D2S) receptors that were detectible in adulthood (i.e., on PD 90). Signaling systems associated with D2 receptors were also assessed. Specifically, we measured protein kinase A (PKA) activity in the dorsal striatum and prefrontal cortex (PFC), whereas immunoblotting was used to quantify phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and phosphorylated ERK. Results showed that early Mn exposure caused a persistent elevation of D2L and D2S protein expression in the dorsal striatum, as well as an increase in the number of D2 binding sites. Conversely, Mn reduced D2 specific binding in the PFC on PD 90. PKA activity of Mn-treated rats was enhanced in both the dorsal striatum and PFC, whereas p-Akt levels were elevated in the dorsal striatum. When considered together, these results suggest that postnatal Mn exposure either directly or indirectly alters the functioning of postsynaptic DA receptors. One possibility is that early Mn exposure depresses presynaptic dopaminergic functioning and reduces DA levels, thereby causing an up-regulation of D2 receptors and a dysregulation of DA-associated signaling pathways. An alternative explanation is that early Mn exposure affects D2 receptors and PKA/p-Akt levels via independent mechanisms.

Chronic metals ingestion by prairie voles produces sex-specific deficits in social behavior: an animal model of autism

We examined the effects of chronic metals ingestion on social behavior in the normally highly social prairie vole to test the hypothesis that metals may interact with central dopamine systems to produce the social withdrawal characteristic of autism. Relative to water-treated controls, 10 weeks of chronic ingestion of either Hg(++) or Cd(++) via drinking water significantly reduced social contact by male voles when they were given a choice between isolation or contact with an unfamiliar same-sex conspecific. The effects of metals ingestion were specific to males: no effects of metals exposure were seen in females. Metals ingestion did not alter behavior of males allowed to choose between isolation or their familiar cage-mates, rather than strangers. We also examined the possibility that metals ingestion affects central dopamine functioning by testing the voles' locomotor responses to peripheral administration of amphetamine. As with the social behavior, we found a sex-specific effect of metals on amphetamine responses. Males that consumed Hg(++) did not increase their locomotor activity in response to amphetamine, whereas similarly treated females and males that ingested only water significantly increased their locomotor activities. Thus, an ecologically relevant stimulus, metals ingestion, produced two of the hallmark characteristics of autism - social avoidance and a male-oriented bias. These results suggest that metals exposure may contribute to the development of autism, possibly by interacting with central dopamine function, and support the use of prairie voles as a model organism in which to study autism.

Postnatal manganese exposure alters dopamine transporter function in adult rats: Potential impact on nonassociative and associative processes

In the present study, we examined whether exposing rats to a high-dose regimen of manganese chloride (Mn) during the postnatal period would depress presynaptic dopamine functioning and alter nonassociative and associative behaviors. To this end, rats were given oral supplements of Mn (750 microg/day) on postnatal days (PD) 1-21. On PD 90, dopamine transporter (DAT) immunoreactivity and [3H]dopamine uptake were assayed in the striatum and nucleus accumbens, while in vivo microdialysis was used to measure dopamine efflux in the same brain regions. The effects of postnatal Mn exposure on nigrostriatal functioning were evaluated by assessing rotorod performance and amphetamine-induced stereotypy in adulthood. In terms of associative processes, both cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and sucrose-reinforced operant responding were examined. Results showed that postnatal Mn exposure caused persistent declines in DAT protein expression and [3H]dopamine uptake in the striatum and nucleus accumbens, as well as long-term reductions in striatal dopamine efflux. Rotorod performance did not differ according to exposure condition, however Mn-exposed rats did exhibit substantially more amphetamine-induced stereotypy than vehicle controls. Mn exposure did not alter performance on any aspect of the CPP task (preference, extinction, or reinstatement testing), nor did Mn affect progressive ratio responding (a measure of motivation). Interestingly, acquisition of a fixed ratio task was impaired in Mn-exposed rats, suggesting a deficit in procedural learning. In sum, these results indicate that postnatal Mn exposure causes persistent declines in various indices of presynaptic dopaminergic functioning. Mn-induced alterations in striatal functioning may have long-term impact on associative and nonassociative behavior.

Postnatal manganese exposure attenuates cocaine-induced locomotor activity and reduces dopamine transporters in adult male rats

In the present study, we examined whether exposing rats to manganese (Mn) during the preweanling period would affect basal or cocaine-induced locomotor activity in adulthood and reduce the number of striatal dopamine transporter binding sites. On postnatal day (PD) 1-21, rats were given oral supplements of vehicle or Mn chloride (250 or 750 microg/day). Striatal Mn and iron (Fe) accumulation as well as serum Fe levels were measured on PD 14, PD 21, and PD 90. Throughout the dosing period, rats were evaluated on standard measures of sensory and motor development. During adulthood, the basal and cocaine-induced locomotor activity of vehicle- and Mn-exposed rats was assessed using automated testing chambers. After completion of behavioral testing, striatal dopamine transporter binding sites were measured using [(3)H]GBR 12935. Results showed that early Mn exposure enhanced striatal Mn accumulation on PD 14 and PD 21, while depressing serum Fe levels on PD 21. Exposure to Mn on PD 1-21 did not affect striatal or serum Mn or Fe levels on PD 90. During the second postnatal week, Mn-exposed rat pups performed more poorly than controls on a negative geotaxis task, however basal motor activity of preweanling rat pups was not affected by Mn treatment. When tested in adulthood, basal locomotor activity of vehicle- and Mn-exposed rats also did not differ. In contrast, adult rats previously exposed to 750 microg/day Mn showed an enhanced locomotor response when challenged with 10 mg/kg cocaine. A different pattern of results occurred after treatment with a higher dose of the psychostimulant, because Mn-exposed rats showed an attenuated locomotor response when given 20 mg/kg cocaine. Importantly, Mn-exposed rats exhibited long-term reductions in striatal dopamine transporter binding sites. Considered together, these results indicate that postnatal Mn exposure has long-term behavioral and neurochemical effects that can persist into adulthood.

Neurochemical changes in rats chronically treated with a high concentration of manganese chloride

Several neurochemical parameters were studied in brain regions of rats chronically treated with a high concentration of manganese chloride (20 mg MnCl2.4H2O per ml. of drinking water) throughout development until adulthood. Large increases in Mn accumulation were found in all brain regions (hypothalamus, +530%; striatum, +479%; other regions, +152 to +250%) of Mn-treated adult rats. In these animals, Ca levels were decreased (-20 to -46%) in cerebellum, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex but were increased (+186%) in midbrain. Mg levels were decreased (-12 to -32%) in pons and medulla, midbrain, and cerebellum. Fe levels were increased (+95%) in striatum but were decreased (-28%) in cerebral cortex. Cu levels were increased (+43 to +100%) in pons and medulla and striatum but Zn levels were decreased (-30%) in pons and medulla. Na levels were increased (+22%) in striatum but those of K and Cl remained unchanged. Type A monoamine oxidase activities were decreased (-13 to -16%) in midbrain, striatum, and cerebral cortex, but type B monoamine oxidase activities decreased (-13%) only in hypothalamus. Acetylcholinesterase activities were increased (+20 to +22%) in striatum and cerebellum. The results are consistent with our hypothesis that chronic manganese encephalopathy not only affects brain metabolism of Mn but also that of other metals.

Biochemical and morphological changes in rat brain synaptosomes after exposure to normobaric hyperoxia in vivo

Adult rats were submitted to normobaric hyperoxia for 1 to 24 h, then the brain synaptosomes were isolated and their metabolic and morphologic properties were studied. Hyperoxia lasting 1-2 h significantly increased the content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive material (TBAR) and decreased the level of protein thid groups. During the next 5-8 h of hyperoxia SH groups as well as TBAR content became almost normal, reflecting adaptation of the animals to an elevated oxygen tension. After 24 h of hyperoxia a maximal increase in the TBAR content and parallel fall in protein thiol groups were noted. Simultaneously, significant morphological differences between control synaptosomes and synaptosomes isolated from rats exposed to 24 h oxygenation were observed in electron microscopy. The high-affinity dopamine uptake in hyperoxic synaptosomes was significantly increased in all experimental groups. A specific high sensitivity of the dopamine uptake system in synaptoplasmatic membranes to the free radical modification of the membrane structure is suggested.

Changes in brain regional manganese and magnesium levels during postnatal development: modulations by chronic manganese administration

Manganese (Mn) and magnesium (Mg) levels in hypothalamus, cerebellum, pons and medulla, striatum, midbrain, and cerebral cortex of control and Mn-treated (10 mg MnCl2.4H2O per ml of drinking water) rats during postnatal development were studied using instrumental neutron activation analysis. The age-dependent Mn accumulation showed regional variation: at day 5, this accumulation was most marked in striatum (12.05 micrograms/g wet weight) but least marked in cerebral cortex (0.85 micrograms/g wet weight). By day 10, pons and medulla, and hypothalamus were regions with, respectively, the highest (4.73 micrograms/g wet weight) and the lowest (0.52 micrograms/g wet weight) Mn levels. By contrast, brain regional Mn variations were less pronounced in weanling and adult rats. The age-dependent Mg accumulation showed regional variation at day 5, being most marked in pons and medulla (720 micrograms/g wet weight) and least marked in cerebral cortex (295 micrograms/g wet weight). Mg levels in all regions decreased after day 5; by day 120, only Mg level in cerebral cortex was lower than levels in other regions (the latter being very similar). In general, the age-related decreases in Mn and Mg levels paralleled the decreases in water content and increases in tissue weight, suggesting that the maturation of the blood-brain barrier may play important role(s) in brain Mn and Mg homeostasis. Chronic Mn-treatment from conception onwards altered the regional Mn and Mg distribution patterns during development. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that chronic Mn toxicity exerts modulatory effects on brain regional metabolism and homeostasis of Mn and other metals during development.

Effects of chronic manganese treatment on rat brain regional sodium-potassium-activated and magnesium-activated adenosine triphosphatase activities during development

The effects of chronic manganese (Mn) treatments (1 and 10 mg MnCl2.4H2O per ml of drinking water) from conception onwards on brain regional development of sodium-potassium-activated and magnesium-activated adenosine triphosphatases (Na-K-ATPase and Mg-ATPase) were studied. The activities of these enzymes were determined in hypothalamus, cerebellum, pons and medulla, striatum, midbrain and cerebral cortex (which included the hippocampus) of Mn-treated and age-matched control rats at 5 postnatal ages. Both ATPase activities doubled in most brain regions between day 5 and day 20 postnatal. In pons and medulla, striatum, midbrain, and cerebral cortex, adult levels of both enzymatic activities were attained by day 20 postnatal. Na-K-ATPase activities transiently increased in the midbrain (+25%) at day 12 with the lower Mn dose and in the cerebral cortex (+31%) at day 20 with the higher Mn dose. With the higher Mn dose only, Mg-ATPase activities were increased in the hypothalamus (+20%) at day 12 and in the pons and medulla (+22%) at day 20 but were decreased in the pons and medulla (-20%) at day 60. Thus, only transient changes in enzymatic activities were observed despite dose-dependent increases in the brain levels of Mn resulting from the Mn treatment. A hypothesis regarding the role of early but transient changes in brain metabolism in the pathogenesis of the initial psychotic symptoms in Mn intoxication was proposed and discussed in relation to several other observations of a similar nature.

Trifluoperazine activates and releases latent ATP-generating enzymes associated with the synaptic plasma membrane

Neurone-specific enolase (NSE) and the brain form of creatine phosphokinase (CPK-BB) were previously found to be present in rat synaptosomal plasma membranes (SPM) using two-dimensional gel (2-D gel) and peptide analysis; enzymatic activities of these and of pyruvate kinase (PK), all involved in ATP generation, were shown to be "cryptic" unless the SPM were treated with Triton X-100. We now show that enzymatic activation also occurs when the SPM are treated with trifluoperazine (TFP). TFP activation occurred even when the enzymes were membrane associated, showing that solubilization was not responsible for "unmasking" the enzyme activities. When TFP treatment was performed at alkaline instead of neutral pH, NSE and CPK-BB were released as well as PK, nonneuronal enolase, and aldolase which were identified by 2-D gel and tryptic peptide analysis. Other proteins released included calmodulin, actin, and the 70-kilodalton heat-shock cognate protein. Tubulin, synapsin I, and a 35-kilodalton basic protein were largely unaffected. The latter was identified as the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase on the basis of 2-D gel and peptide analyses and subsequent partial sequencing of a rat brain cDNA coding for the same protein. TFP treatment is thus useful for activating latent enzymes as well as for distinguishing enzymes that have a different disposition on the membrane.

[3H]spiperone and [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding in striatal membranes from rats chronically treated with manganese chloride throughout development and for over two years

Chronic treatment of rats with manganese (1 mg MnCl2 X 4H2O per ml of drinking water) from conception till adulthood only slightly decreased [3H]spiperone binding in striatal membranes whereas [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding was not affected. The age-related decreases in dopaminergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor binding in striatal membranes were not affected by the life-span manganese treatment.

Especial considerations for neurotoxicological research

In recent years, there has been much impetus toward a definition of behavior in terms of underlying biological events. Such correlations have been attempted in several areas ranging from learning and memory to neurological disease. Increased information concerning the relation between behavior and neurobiological mechanisms is especially important in the area of neurotoxicology. It is often abnormal behavior that is a first sign of exposure to a neurotoxic agent and such changes may give clues as to the anatomical or chemical sites of attack on the nervous system. These clues might also lead to the development of a therapeutic treatment as to the development of tests designed to reveal exposure to a toxic agent at levels below those causing gross behavioral change. Unfortunately, there is a relatively small amount of literature reporting on both behavioral and biological disturbances caused by a toxic agent in the same experimental animal. However, a variety of methodological advances combined with a growing interest in neurotoxicology is gradually changing this. Increased information concerning the role of defined nerve pathways and the means of action of their chemical constituents offers an opportunity to bring about a deepening understanding of neurotoxic events. This review will suggest how new pharmacological findings can be applied to neurotoxicology. Examples of human and animal exposure to toxic materials will be used and current problems will be shown to be major determinants of future research directions.

Effect of manganese treatment on the levels of neurotransmitters, hormones, and neuropeptides: modulation by stress

Six weeks of daily intraperitoneal injection with manganese chloride (15 mg/kg body wt) reduced the normal weight gain of male Fischer-344 rats. This treatment depressed plasma testosterone and corticosterone levels, but prolactin levels were unaffected. The only significant changes in the levels of a variety of neuropeptides assayed in several regions were increases in the levels of hypothalamic substance P and pituitary neurotensin. Striatal serotonin, dopamine, and their metabolites were unchanged in manganese-exposed rats relative to saline-injected controls. However, the stress of injection combined with the effect of manganese appeared to significantly increase concentrations of striatal monoamines relative to uninjected controls.

Changes in the redox state of neuroblastoma cells after manganese exposure

The toxicological effects of manganese chloride on the redox state of thiols and on the lipid peroxidation in cultures of the neuroblastoma clone N1E 115 were studied. The cell cultures were exposed, after a stationary growth phase was attained, to manganese chloride (25-100 microM) for up to 9 days. The non-protein thiols decreased at the most 27% as compared to the controls. Significant effects were obtained at all manganese concentrations tested. The total thiol content was maximally reduced by 40%. This reduced thiol content was also reflected in a lowered activity of the thiolenzyme, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in manganese exposed cells. In addition the lipid peroxide level in the cells was decreased during the manganese treatment.