SUBCELLULAR-LOCALIZATION OF LEAD IN SYNAPTOSOMES

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 17  (4) , 715-725
Abstract
The neurotoxicology of Pb is reported to involve effects on cholinergic and monoaminergic pathways. No information is available on the action site at which Pb exerts neurotoxic effects. The technique of X-ray elemental analysis coupled scanning-transmission mode electron microscopy was applied to study the in vitro interactions of Pb with synaptosomes [rat]. To minimize possible translocation effects on elemental distribution, isolated synaptosomes were air dried on EM grids; no fixing or staining procedures were used. In such preparations, synaptosomes and intrasynaptosomal mitochondria were distinguishable. Pb was found only in mitochondria in association with Ca and P. Pb appears to enter isolated nerve terminals and to be sequestered in mitochondria.

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