Receptors in Brain of Preweanling Mice

Objective: The aim of this stlldy was to investigate th effect oftriblltyltin (TBT) compound on IVL methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brains of preweanling mice. Methods: Pregnant ICR mice were exposed to TBT chloride at concentrations of e, 15, and 50ppm in waten Male offspring were sacrificed at 1, 2 and 3weeks after birth. Mouse brain membranes were prepared from cerebral cortices, and the specific binding ef [3H]MK-801 to an NMDA receptor was determined by radioligand binding assay. Results: The mean body weight of preweanling mice of the 50 ppm dose greup decreased by 1725% (p<O.Ol) at 1, 2 and 3 weeks ofage, compared with that ofpreweanling mice ofthe corresponding control group. The ['H]MK-801 binding level significantly decreased (p<O.e5) in the 15 ppm Fl group at 1week and in the 15 ppm and 50 ppm Fl groups at 3weeks of age, compared with that in the corresponding control Fl group. Conclusions: The exposure to TBT via placenta and dam's milk serieusly affected not only the growth of preweanling mice, but also the Fl cerebral NMDA receptors involyed in memory and learning.