Effect of lead on mRNA expression of ε1 and ε2 subunits of NMDA receptor in hippocampus of mice

  Objective   To explore the effect of chronic lead at developmental stages on passive-aviodance learning and memory in hippocampus of mice and its changes of mRNA expression of E1(NR2A)and E2(NR2B)subunits of the N-methyl-D-aspar tate receptor(NMDAR).

  Methods   the abilit y of acquiring and maintaining passive-avoidance reaction were observed by jumping stand test in mice after chronic lead poison.RT-PCR techniques were applied to recognize either the mRNA expression of E1 and E2 subunits of the NMDAR in hippocampus exposure to low level of lead.

  Results   Lead exposure significantly reduced with control group(P < 0.05), in the hippocampus, from 2 to 4 weeks, the E1 subunit mRNA expression in Pb²⁺-exposed group exhibited a significantly decline compared with control group, but there were no correspond- ing dchanges in the E2 subunit mRN expression between Pb²⁺ -exposed group and cntrol g roup.

  Conclusion   Chronic lead exposure results in decrease of passive-avoidance reaction learning and memory and its effect may related to significant decline E1 subunit mRNA expression hippocampus.