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Lead and Cadmium Synergistically Enhance the Expression of Divalent Metal Transporter 1 Protein in Central Nervous System of Developing Rats

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Abstract

Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) can transport a large range of ions, including toxic lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), across membranes. In this study, a total of 24 rats were divided into four groups for intragastrical perfusion treatment: control, Pb alone, Cd alone, and Pb + Cd. Pb and Cd contents in blood were detected, and the mRNA and protein levels of DMT1 were analyzed in the cerebellum, cortex, and hippocampus. Both Pb and Cd levels were elevated in all groups perfused with Pb and/or Cd, except for Pb level in the Cd-alone group (P < 0.05). The mRNA level of DMT1 did not differ among the four groups (P > 0.05). However, the DMT1 protein expression was significantly increased by 0.9-, 1.0-, and 1.1-fold in cerebellum, cortex, and hippocampus of the Pb + Cd group than in controls, respectively. Pb and Cd exposure can synergistically induce DMT1 protein synthesis and has implications for transportation of toxic ions in the developing rat’s brain.

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Scientific Research Foundation for the ROCS of State Education Ministry, China, and Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. 5008352). We also thank members of the Central Laboratory and Animal Centre for technical assistance and Laura Heraty for editing this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Analytical Cytology Laboratory and the Key Immunopathology Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, 515041, Shantou, People’s Republic of China

    Chengwu Gu, Songjian Chen, Xijin Xu, Liangkai Zheng, Yan Li, Kusheng Wu, Junxiao Liu, Zongli Qi, Dai Han, Gangjian Chen & Xia Huo

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  1. Chengwu Gu
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Correspondence to Xia Huo.

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Chengwu Gu and Songjian Chen contributed equally to this work, they are joint first authors.

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Gu, C., Chen, S., Xu, X. et al. Lead and Cadmium Synergistically Enhance the Expression of Divalent Metal Transporter 1 Protein in Central Nervous System of Developing Rats. Neurochem Res 34, 1150–1156 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-008-9891-6

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