1. Sponsor Organization: NIH/NIEHS

2. Project Title: 06684-04 LEAD TOXICITY--BIOCHEMICAL AND NEUROENDOCRINE MECHANISMS

3. Project Focus:

• Project Primary Focus: Human Health Effects
• Project Secondary Focus:

4. Description:

In the last few years the toxic effects of lead in children has become a major environmental issue in the U.S. This study examines the effects of chronic lead exposure on the endocrine systems of reproduction and growth during development. This project will examine in detail the molecular mechanisms underlying the lead-induced impairment of the endocrine systems of reproduction and growth in a developmental animal model. It focuses on disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary function (especially secretion of LH and GH), gonadal steroid biosynthesis and peripheral steroid metabolism. Specifically, the endocrine effects of lead exposure initiated in utero will be examined on developing male and female rats. Challenge and replacement experiments will be conducted in vivo to define hypothalamic-pituitary and gonadal sites of lead action and the molecular mechanisms underlying lead-induced alterations in gonadal and peripheral sex steroid metabolism, reproductive physiology and the male pubertal growth spurt.

5. References:

6. Inventory Category:

• Primary: Models
• Secondary:

7. Inventory Subcategory:

• Primary: Basic Research
• Secondary:

8. Keywords for Experimental System/Species:

• Species:
  • Mammal
  • Rat
• Study Type:
  • In Vivo
• Fate and Transport:

9. Keywords for Experimental Endpoints:

• Health Effect:
  • Reproductive
  • Neurological
• Hormonal Measures:
  • Hormone Receptors
  • Sex Steroids
• Level Of Study:
  • Physiology
  • Molecular
• Chemistry Metabolism:
• Life Stage:
  • Female
  • Male
  • Puberty
  • Growth
• Risk Assessment:

10. Chemical Agents:

• Lead

11. Performing Institution:

• UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS MED SCIS LTL ROCK

12. Contact:

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