2004•Journal of Jilin University ofRequires access
Effects of chronic exposing to methylmercury chloride on NMDAR-2A subunit expression in hippocampus of newborn rats during developmental stages
Jie Guo
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Abstract
Objective To study the effects of methylmercury chloride (MMC) on NMDA receptor (NMDAR) 2A subunit (NR2A) in hippocampus of newborn rats chronically exposed to MMC during developmental stages. Methods Female Wistar rats (120±20 g) were randomly divided into control group and experimental group. In experimental group,the rats were fed on forage containing different dosage of MMC (0 75,1 50 and 3 00 mg·kg -1 ) each day for 90 days. NR2A proteins were exacted from hippocampus of newborn rats on P (postnatal days) 7,P14,P21, and P28. NR2A protein expression was investigated with Western blotting. Results NR2A protein was detected in both control and experimental groups. Expression of the NR2A reached the peak at P14. A decreasing tendency appeared in amount of NR2A from hippocampus of MMC exposed rats on P7, 14, 21, and 28 compared with control group. Conclusion NMDAR in rat brain involves in brain developmental process. Decrease of NR2A expression in rat exposed to MMC may be the key molecular mechanism of MMC damage of the developing brains.