Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 26
Protective Effect of Taurine on the
Decreased Biogenic Amine Neurotransmitter
Levels in the Brain of Mice Exposed to Arsenic
Xiaohui Liu , Fengyuan Piao , and Yachen Li
Abstract
Arsenic (As) exposure has a toxic effect on the central nervous system,
especially on learning and memory. Norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and
serotonin (5-HT) play an important role in learning and memory function of the
brain. In the present study, the protective effect of taurine on the disturbed biogenic
amine neurotransmitter levels in the mouse brain induced by arsenic was examined.
Sixty SPF mice were divided into three groups. The As exposure group was admin-
istered with 4 ppm As
2
O
3
through drinking water for 60 days. The protective group
was treated with both 4 ppm As
2
O
3
and 150 mg/kg taurine. The control group was
given drinking water alone. The levels of NE, DA, and 5-HT were determined by
HPLC in the cerebrum and cerebellum of mice. Ultrastructure of synapses in brain
tissue of mice was observed in these groups by transmission electron microscopy.
The mRNA expressions of dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH), tyrosine hydroxy-
lase (TH), and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) as NE, DA, and 5-HT synzymes were
also analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. The results showed that the concentrations of
NE, DA, and 5-HT; the number of synaptic vesicles; and the expressions of TH,
TPH, and DBH genes in the brains of mice exposed to As alone were significantly
decreased. However, administration of taurine significantly alleviated the toxic
effect on biochemicals detected in the experiment, compared with that in the brain
of mice exposed to As alone. These results indicated that taurine was effective in
counteracting the decreased biogenic amine neurotransmitter level and the mRNA
expressions of their synzymes induced by arsenic.
X. Liu F. Piao (
*
) Y. Li
Department of Occupational and Environmental of Health,
Dalian Medical University , Dalian , Liaoning 116044 , China
e-mail: Piaofy_dy@yahoo.com.cn
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