Low level lead (Pb) exposure produces learning deficits in young rat pups
Taylor, D.H.; Noland, E.A.; Brubaker, C.M.; Crofton, K.M.; Bull, R.J.
Neurobehavioral Toxicology and Teratology 4(3): 311-314
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0275-1380 PMID: 7099350 Document Number: 195623
Sprague-Dawley (CD strain) rat pups (11-days-old) whose mothers were maintained on a 200 mg/l dosage of Pb acetate in their drinking water from breeding and through gestation until the pups were weaned exhibited differences in a learning paradigm as compared to controls. No significant differences were noted between the control and experimental pups with respect to acquisition rates, but there were significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to extinction rates. Similar results were obtained in tests of rat pups whose dams had been maintained on 400 mg/l Pb acetate. Low-level Pb exposure induced significant behavioral deficits in young rat pups.