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Lead neurotoxicity: effects on brain nitric oxide synthase

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Abstract

Lead (Pb), a ubiquitous and potent neurotoxicant, induces several neurophysiological and behavioural changes, while Pb alters the function of multiple organs and systems, it primarily affects the central nervous system. In human adults, encephalopathy resulting from Pb intoxication is often characterized by sleeplessness, poor attention span, vomiting, convulsions and coma; in children, Pb-induced encephalopathy is associated with mental dullness, vomiting, irritability and anorexia; diminished cognitive function resulting in a mental deficit has been also observed during Prolonged exposure to Pb. Pb can produce oxidative stress, disrupt the blood–brain barrier and alter several Ca2+-dependent processes, including physiological processes that involve nitric oxide synthesis on central nervous system in development and adult animals. This review summarizes recent evidence showing that Pb can interfere with the production of nitric oxide and can disrupt the function of nitric oxide synthase. Lead interferes with nitric oxide-related physiological mechanisms, and Pb neurotoxicity may affect processes involved in learning and memory.

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  1. Lab. Neuropatología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, Mexico

    Concepción Nava-Ruiz & Marisela Méndez-Armenta

  2. Depto. Neuroquímica, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suarez, Insurgentes sur 3877, La Fama Tlalpan, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico

    Camilo Ríos

  3. Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico

    Concepción Nava-Ruiz

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Nava-Ruiz, C., Méndez-Armenta, M. & Ríos, C. Lead neurotoxicity: effects on brain nitric oxide synthase. J Mol Hist 43, 553–563 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10735-012-9414-2

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