EFFECTS OF TAURINE ON THE NEUROBEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT OF RATS EXPOSED TO LOW-LEVEL LEAD / 营养学报

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess the effect of taurine supplementation on behavior of young rats exposed to low-level lead. Methods: Wistar dam rats were randomly divided into three lead+Tau(0.5%, 1.0% ,1.5%)groups, lead group and control group.Dams of three lead+Tau groups were fed with food containing 0.5%,1.0%,1.5% taurine respectively from d 9 of gestation. Lead+Tau groups and lead group dams were given water containing 0.14% PbAc 2 ad lib. from d 16 of gestation to weaning of the off spring on d 25 post partum. The pups continued taking same food and water. The neurobehavioral function of pups was tested. Results: (1) Taurine supplementation could significantly decrease accumulation of lead in the brain of young rats. (2)Taurine supplementation was able to prevent Pb-induced retardation on behavioral development, and also learning and memory damage in young rats.(3) In all selected six brain regions, the content of NA and DA was decreased in lead group compared with control group. The content of NA in all six brain regions and DA in pituitarium, cerebellum and cortex in 1.0% taurine supplementation group could be restored to normal. The content of ACh in hippocampus and cortex was decreased in Lead compared to Cont group, and which could be corrected by Tau supplementation. Conclusion: The results suggest that taurine has protective function against Pb-induced toxicity and can protect the nervous system against Pb-induced damage in the development of young rats.