Lack of effect of chronic developmental lead treatment on biogenic amines and metabolites in monkey cerebrospinal fluid

Abstract

Concentrations of 3,4 dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), norepinephrine (NE), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were assayed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of control and chronically lead-treated nursery-reared rhesus monkeys sampled periodically from infancy through adulthood. Blood lead levels peaked at 62 μg/dl at 1.5 months of age, averaged 45 μg/dl for the remainder of the first year postpartum, and were maintained at 14 μg/dl from 20–58 months of age. Cisternal CSF samples were collected monthly from 5–35 months of age and every 1–4 months from 36–58 months of age. Biogenic amine and metabolite concentrations were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Overall concentrations of DOPAC, HVA, NE, MHPG, and 5-HIAA were not significantly different in the control and lead-treated groups nor were there any significant interactions between lead treatment and age for any measure. DOPAC, HVA, and 5-HIAA concentrations decreased gradually with age, whereas MHPG concentration decreased sharply between 35 and 40 months of age. NE concentration remained stable across development.