Chronic early-life lead exposure sensitizes adolescent rats to cocaine: Role of the dopaminergic system.

ABSTRACT: Exposure to heavy metals has been associated with psychiatric disorders and recent studies suggest an association between childhood lead (Pb²⁺) intoxication and schizophrenia (SZ). In animal models, Pb²⁺ exposure recapitulates key neuropathological and dopaminergic system alterations present in SZ. Given the high comorbidity of mental disorders such as SZ and substance abuse, coupled with evidence showing that Pb²⁺ exposure affects addiction circuits, we hypothesized that early life Pb²⁺ exposure could sensitize neuronal systems relevant to SZ and substance abuse. To this goal, we examined the effects of chronic developmental Pb²⁺ exposure on the acute locomotor response to cocaine (0, 5, and 15 mg kg^-1) and behavioral sensi

SUBMITTER: Albores-Garcia D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9450041 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature