Effect of Tributyltin Compound on \it{N}-methyl-\it{D}-aspartate (NMDA) Receptors in Brain of Preweanling Mice

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tributyltin (TBT) compound on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brains of preweanling mice. Methods: Pregnant ICR mice were exposed to TBT chloride at concentrations of 0, 15, and 50 ppm in water. Male offspring were sacrificed at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after birth. Mouse brain membranes were prepared from cerebral cortices, and the specific binding of [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 group decreased by 17-25% (p<0.01) at 1, 2 and 3 weeks of age, compared with that of preweanling mice of the corresponding control group. The [3H]MK-801 binding level significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the 15 ppm F1 group at 1 week and in the 15 ppm and 50 ppm F1 groups at 3 weeks of age, compared with that in the corresponding control F1 group. Conclusions: The exposure to TBT via placenta and dam’s milk seriously affected not only the growth of preweanling mice, but also the F1 cerebral NMDA receptors involved in memory and learning.