Effect of lead exposure on capacity of learning and memory and expression of c-jun gene in mice

  Objective   To observe the effect of the capacity of learning and memory and chronic lead contaminant on the expression of c-jun mRNA in hippocampus of mice.

  Methods   Chronic acetic lead contaminant was applied on mice(2.4, 4.8, 9.6 mmol/L)for 6 weeks.The step down test was used to measure the capacity of learning and memnory of each group.At the end of the experiment, RT-PCR was used to observe the expression of c-jun mRNA in hippocampus after the induction by step down test.

  Results   (1) In step down test the correct percentage of lead group significantly decreased compared with the control(P < 0.01).(2)Results of c-jun RT-PCR: The expression of c-jun was lowest in hippocampus of high lead group; was lower in middle lead group; was higher in low lead group.The expression of control group was highest.

  Conclusion   The decrease of c-jun gene expression level in hippocampus had a great link with the impairment of learning and memory induced by lead in mice, and this maight be one of the molecule mechanisms of lead-induced impairment of learning and memory.