Effects of dietary hexachlorobenzene exposure on regional brain biogenic amine concentrations in mink and european ferrets

Abstract

In the initial trial, adult mink and ferrets were administered hexachlorobenzene (HCB) via the feed at concentrations of 1, 5, or 25 ppm for 47 wk. Animals receiving 125 and 625 ppm HCB in the diet died before termination of the experiment, with female ferrets at the 125 ppm level displaying abnormal aggressiveness and hyperexcitability just prior to death. Hypothalamic serotonin (5-HT) was significantly elevated at all dose levels in mink, and cerebellar 5-HT was significantly elevated at 1 ppm in the ferret. Regional brain biogenic amine concentrations were also determined in the offspring of the female mink that were administered 1 and 5 ppm HCB. Hypothalamic dopamine (DA) concentrations were significantly depressed by 1 and 5 ppm in these kits. In a second study, adult male and female ferrets were administered 250 or 500 ppm HCB via the diet for 7 wk. Two animals at the 250-ppm level and 3 animals at the 500-ppm level died before termination of the experiment without showing behavioral changes. Of the remaining animals, 3 ferrets at 250 ppm and 1 ferret at 500 ppm showed slight aggressiveness and hyperexcitability during the last week of the experiment. Concentrations of 5-HT were significantly elevated at 500 ppm in the cerebral hemispheres and at 250 ppm in the midbrain of male ferrets, while in the females, 5-HT was elevated in the cerebral hemispheres at 250 ppm and in the hypothalamus at both 250 and 500 ppm. Norepinephrine (NE) concentrations were significantly elevated in the cerebellum of males exposed to 250 and 500 ppm, as were NE concentrations in the midbrain. HCB at 500 ppm caused a significant increase in medullary NE, while 250 ppm caused an increase in hypothalamic NE in males. The only change in regional brain dopamine (DA) concentrations occurred at 500 ppm HCB in the midbrain of males, where there was a significant elevation of this neurotransmitter.

Effects of hexachlorobenzene on antioxidant status of liver and brain of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

“…It suggested that oxidative stress could play an important role in HCB-induced hepatotoxicity. As regards HCB-induced biochemical effects on the central nervous system, previous studies reported alterations in regional brain concentration of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine (Bleavins et al, 1984) and alteration phospholipid metabolism (Cochon et al, 2001). To our knowledge, oxidative stress in brain has not been reported following HCB intoxication.…”

Study of neurogenic involvement in arginine-vasopressin and oxytocin release under basal and environmentally stimulated conditions

“…Various directions (positive, negative or uneffective) and features of the observed effects related to aggression were described in the papers depending on the properties of applied exposures, used POP/EDC chemical(s), subjects or other noteworthy conditions as discussed widely [90]. Our findings are in accord with those of Bleavins et al, who observed that a larger dose of HCB increased aggressiveness in minks and European ferrets [115].…”

“…The changes may be caused by modifications of the membrane receptors or their sensitivities or the transmitter amounts or the other HCB-related mechanism mentioned above. Our assumptions may be supported by the findings of Bleavins et al Minks and ferrets were treated chronically with dietary HCB and the levels of different regional biogenic amines such as 5-HT and NE were measured [115]. Besides modulated behavior reflecting abnormal aggressiveness and hyperexcitability, elevated 5-HT and NE levels were detected in the hypothalamus following HCB exposure.…”

“…HCB contamination is known to cause not only neurotoxicological symptoms [114], but also neuropsychiatric signs, such as an increased frequency of schizophrenia and hypochondria in patients with porphyria turcica [109]. Effects of chronic, dietary exposure to HCB on aggressive behavior and regional brain biogenic mediators, including the concentrations of neuropeptide-related (and interacting) monoamines, were examined in minks and European ferrets by Bleavins et al [115].…”

Melatonin Formation in Pineal Gland from Rats with Hexachlorobenzene Experimental Porphyria

“…Respect to the effect of HCB on indole pathway it has been reported that dietary HCB is responsible for regional brain concentrations of some tryptophan metabolites and its altered animal behavior in minks and European ferrets (Bleavins et al 1984). More recently, studies carried out in rats by our group showed significant increases in urinary 5-HT and 5-HIAA and hepatic tryptophan levels in HCB-treated rats.…”