Sex-based differences in gene expression in hippocampus following postnatal lead exposure
The influence of sex as an effect modifier of childhood lead poisoning has received little systematic attention. Considering the paucity of information available concerning the interactive effects of lead and sex on the brain, the current study examined the interactive effects of lead and sex on gene expression patterns in the hippocampus, a structure involved in learning and memory. Male or female rats were fed either 1500 ppm lead-containing chow or control chow for 30 days beginning at weaning.Blood lead levels were 26.7 {+-} 2.1 {mu}g/dl and 27.1 {+-} 1.7 {mu}g/dl for females and males, respectively. The expression of 175 unique genes was differentially regulated between control male and female rats. A total of 167 unique genes were differentially expressed in response to lead in either males or females. Lead exposure had a significant effect without a significant difference between male and female responses in 77 of these genes. In another set of 71 genes, there were significant differences in male vs. female response. A third set of 30 genes was differentially expressed in opposite directions in males vs. females, with the majority of genes expressed at a lower level in females than in males. Highly differentially expressed genes in males and females following lead exposure were associated with diverse biological pathways and functions. These results show that a brief exposure to lead produced significant changes in expression of a variety of genes in the hippocampus and that the response of the brain to a given lead exposure may vary depending on sex. - Highlights: > Postnatal lead exposure has a significant effect on hippocampal gene expression patterns. > At least one set of genes was affected in opposite directions in males and females. > Differentially expressed genes were associated with diverse biological pathways.
- OSTI ID:
- 21587863
- Journal Information:
- Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Vol. 256, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2011.08.008; PII: S0041-008X(11)00306-1; Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0041-008X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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BIOLOGICAL PATHWAYS
BLOOD
CONTROL
FEMALES
GENES
HIPPOCAMPUS
LEAD
MALES
MESSENGER-RNA
POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION
RATS
RECEPTORS
SEX
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BODY
BODY FLUIDS
BRAIN
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
ELEMENTS
GENE AMPLIFICATION
MAMMALS
MATERIALS
MEMBRANE PROTEINS
METALS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
NUCLEIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
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