Animal models lead neurotoxicity

NO is a neuronal messenger molecule whose overproduction can initiate neurotoxic events under pathological conditions. NO production has clearly been linked to neurodegeneration in animal models of ischemia and in vitro cultured cells. The final cellular pathways that lead from... 

Studies in rodents and nonhuman primates indicate that oral intake of high doses of manganese can lead to biochemical and behavioral changes indicative of nervous system effects (Bonilla and Prasad 1986 Chandra 1983 Gupta et al. 1980 Kristensson et al. 1986 Lai et al. 1984 Nachtman et al. 1986), and this is supported by intravenous studies in monkeys (Newland and Weiss 1992). Rodents do not appear to be as susceptible to manganese neurotoxicity as humans however, a study by Newland and Weiss (1992) indicates that Cebus monkeys would be a reasonable animal model. Further studies in animals may help determine the basis for the apparent differences in route and species susceptibility. 

Several limitations on these models have become apparent with their use. First, in several respects, rodents show differential sensitivity to lead, as compared with man. For example, the rat appears more susceptible to cerebellar haemorrhage. Discrepancy in dose has provided some challenge to extrapolation from animals to man, and questions the realism of low level lead neurotoxicity, as demonstrated in animals (Michaelson, 1980). The relatively short life spans of experimental animals alter the relationship between dose and duration assumed in man. Moreover, comparing animals with man... 

EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL MODELS OF LEAD NEUROTOXICITY IN HUMAN POPULATIONS... 

We have found the monkey to be an extremely useful animal model with which to explore the effects of lead (as well as other neurotoxic agents) on the developing organism. The use of sophisticated behavioural methodology has allowed detection of clear, dose-related deficits as a result of lead exposure on tests of activity, attention and memory, distractibility and adaptability. In... 

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