Abstract
High atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethytlamino-6-isopropylamine-1,3,5-triazine; ATR) contents in the environment threaten the health conditions of organisms. We examined the effects of ATR exposure on Sprague-Dawley rats during gestation and on the dopaminergic neurons of offspring during lactation. Pregnant dams were orally treated with 0 mg/kg/day to 50 mg/kg/day of ATR from gestational day 5 to postnatal day 22. Afterward, neither offspring nor dams received ATR. Dopamine (DA) content was examined in striatum samples by HPLC-FL; the mRNA expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), orphan nuclear hormone (Nurr1), dopamine transporter (DAT), and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) in the ventral midbrain samples were examined by fluorescence PCR when the offspring reached one year of age. After the pregnant rats were exposed to ATR, the DA concentrations and mRNA levels of Nurr1 were decreased in their offspring. Decreased Nurr1 levels were also accompanied by changes in the mRNA levels of VMAT2, which controls the transport and reuptake of DA.
Highlights
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta region of the midbrain [1].The etiology of PD possibly involves environmental and genetic factors
We considered the following questions: whether or not the toxic effect of ATR is observed on dopaminergic neurons; whether or not such toxic effects occur during the early formation and development of dopaminergic neurons; and whether or not the dopaminergic neurons of progeny are damaged if their mothers are exposed to ATR
Our findings suggested a vulnerability to developing PD, in which exposure to ATR during the critical period of dopaminergic neuron development subsequently altered the dopamine system
Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta region of the midbrain [1].The etiology of PD possibly involves environmental and genetic factors. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta region of the midbrain [1]. Among the risk factors of PD, pesticide exposure has been associated with an increased incidence of PD among agricultural workers in rural environments [3]. Specific pesticides, such as paraquat [4], and maneb [5] have been associated with PD and another pesticide rotenone [6] can produce neurodegeneration when presented in conjunction with another toxicant. As a widely used broad-spectrum herbicide in many regions worldwide, atrazine (ATR) can persist in ground and surface water for long periods because this substance is moderately volatile and water-soluble [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
