Effects of postnatal lead acetate exposure on activity and emotionality in developing laboratory rats

Abstract

At 21 days of age three groups of female hooded rats were exposed to lead at concentrations of 0 ppm, 25 ppm, or 50 ppm provided ad lib in the acetate form for 35 days in the drinking water. No significant differences were found in food consumption, lead acetate or water con sumption, and weight gain. When subjects were tested in an open-field task, no significant differences were found in either the duration or frequency of grooming or rearing behavior, or the number of squares traversed. However, significant differences in emotionality were observed. Subjects receiving 50 ppm lead acetate exhibited markedly greater emotionality when compared with subjects receiving either 25 ppm lead acetate or 0 ppm lead acetate. The results appear to indicate that postnatal lead exposure may affect some elements of emotional behavior, while having little effect on activity.