Abstract:
Objective To study the effect on gene expression profiles of metabolic enzymes and receptors for neurotransmitters in cerebrum of mice by chronic exposure.
Methods The rats were randomly divided into three groups:4 mg/L arsenic trioxide (As2O3), 1 mg/L As2O3, and the control groups. After 60 days of exposure to As2O3 through drinking water, expressions of target genes in cerebrum of mice were studied by genechip.
Results Compared to the control group, the expressions of gene Th, Dbh, Tph1, Drd3, Drd4, Adra1a, Adra2a, Adra2b, and Adrb3 of mouse cerebrum in two treated groups were statistically down-regulated, while the expressions of gene Htr1f, Htr4, and Htr7 were up-regulated.
Conclusion As2O3 may down-regulate the gene expressions of neurotransmitter synthesis and catabolism enzymes and interfere with the gene expressions of partial neurotransmitter receptors in mouse cerebrum.