Neurotoxicity of Combined Exposure to the Heavy Metals (Pb and As) in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Autor: Ming Liu, Ping Deng, Guangyu Li, Haoling Liu, Junli Zuo, Wenwen Cui, Huixian Zhang, Xin Chen, Jingjing Yao, Xitian Peng, Lijun Peng, Jiao Liu, Wenting Zheng, Wei Yan, Ning Luan
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Toxics, Vol 12, Iss 4, p 282 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 12040282
2305-6304
DOI: 10.3390/toxics12040282
Popis: Lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) are commonly occurring heavy metals in the environment and produce detrimental impacts on the central nervous system. Although they have both been indicated to exhibit neurotoxic properties, it is not known if they have joint effects, and their mechanisms of action are likewise unknown. In this study, zebrafish were exposed to different concentrations of Pb (40 μg/L, 4 mg/L), As (32 μg/L, 3.2 mg/L) and their combinations (40 μg/L + 32 μg/L, 4 mg/L + 3.2 mg/L) for 30 days. The histopathological analyses showed significant brain damage characterized by glial scar formation and ventricular enlargement in all exposed groups. In addition, either Pb or As staining inhibited the swimming speed of zebrafish, which was enhanced by their high concentrations in a mixture. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we examined changes in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, neurotransmitter (dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine) levels, HPI axis-related hormone (cortisol and epinephrine) contents and neurodevelopment-related gene expression in zebrafish brain. The observations suggest that combined exposure to Pb and As can cause abnormalities in swimming behavior and ultimately exacerbate neurotoxicity in zebrafish by interfering with the cholinergic system, dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine signaling, HPI axis function as well as neuronal development. This study provides an important theoretical basis for the mixed exposure of heavy metals and their toxicity to aquatic organisms.
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