Developmental exposure to lead causes persistent immunotoxicity in Fischer 344 rats.

The comparative immunotoxicity of five selected compounds following developmental or adult exposure.

It is well established that human diseases associated with abnormal immune function, including some common infectious diseases and asthma, are considerably more prevalent at younger ages. Although not established absolutely, it is generally believed that development constitutes a period of increased immune system susceptibility to xenobiotics, since adverse effects may occur at lower doses and/...

Long-term Developmental Effects of Lactational Exposure to Lead Acetate on Ovary in Offspring Wistar Rats

Exposure to lead during critical windows of embryonic development: differential immunotoxic outcome based on stage of exposure and gender.

Previous rat studies with lead (Pb) have shown that exposure throughout the full gestational period results in persistent immunotoxicity detectable in both juvenile and adult offspring. Gender differences are also evident. However, little is known about the persistent immunotoxic effects of Pb when administered during specific stages of embryonic development. Adult Sprague-Dawley female rats we...

Dysfunctional play and dopamine physiology in the Fischer 344 rat.

Juvenile Fischer 344 rats are known to be less playful than other inbred strains, although the neurobiological substrate(s) responsible for this phenotype is uncertain. In the present study, Fischer 344 rats were compared to the commonly used outbred Sprague-Dawley strain on several behavioral and physiological parameters in order to ascertain whether the lack of play may be related to compromi...

Genetic diversity influences the response of the brain to developmental lead exposure.

Although extrinsic factors, such as nutritional status, and some intrinsic genetic factors may modify susceptibility to developmental lead (Pb) poisoning, no studies have specifically examined the influence of genetic background on outcomes from Pb exposure. In this study, we used gene microarray profiling to identify Pb-responsive genes in rats of different genetic backgrounds, including inbre...