The effects of early life Pb exposure on the expression of IL1-β, TNF-α and Aβ in cerebral cortex of mouse pups

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of maternal lead (Pb) exposure on the learning and memory ability and expression of interleukin1-β (IL1-β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and beta amyloid protein (Aβ) in cerebral cortex of mice offspring.MethodsPb exposure initiated from beginning of gestation to weaning. Pb acetate administered in drinking solutions was dissolved in distilled deionized water at the concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% groups, respectively. On the PND21, the learning and memory ability were tested by water maze test and the Pb levels were also determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The expression of IL1-β, TNF-α and Aβ in cerebral cortex was measured by immunohistochemistry and western blotting.ResultsThe Pb levels in blood and cerebral cortex of all exposure groups were significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). In water maze test, the performances of 0.5% and 1% groups were worse than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The expression of IL1-β, TNF-α and Aβ was increased in Pb exposed groups than that of the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe high expression of IL1-β, TNF-α and Aβ in the cerebral cortex of pups may contribute to the impairment of learning and memory associated with maternal Pb exposure.