Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress and its Effects on the Blood-Brain Barrier
Department
Chemistry
Major
Chemistry Pre-Medicine Emphasis
Research Advisor
Ercal, Nuran
Advisor's Department
Chemistry
Funding Source
Missouri S&T Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program
Abstract
Lead is a toxic metal affecting multiple organ systems, including the nervous, renal, and hematological systems. Effects of lead on the nervous system are detrimental because of the strong correlation in studies between the IQ levels and the blood lead levels in children. This in vitro study shows the existence of oxidative stress in blood-brain barrier cells due to lead exposure. Administration of lead acetate (PbA) to cultures of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVEC) had a concentration and timedependent inhibitory effect on cell survival. To evaluate the nature of lead’s effect, we measured glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and catalase activities in lead-exposed HBMVEC cells. Increases in GSH, ROS and activity of catalase were observed in cultures receiving PbA. In order to investigate whether these changes in oxidative stress parameters caused any functional abnormalities, dextrin permeability assay and TEER, a test used to measure trans-endothelial resistance, were performed.
Biography
Ryan Rader is a Chemistry Pre-Medicine/Biological Sciences junior at Missouri University of Science & Technology. He will graduate in May 2011 and hopes to matriculate into medical school, where he will study Internal Medicine. Ryan would like to thank his family for their undying support and the members of Dr. Nuran Erçal’s laboratory for guiding him with infinite patience and wisdom.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
07 Apr 2010, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress and its Effects on the Blood-Brain Barrier
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Lead is a toxic metal affecting multiple organ systems, including the nervous, renal, and hematological systems. Effects of lead on the nervous system are detrimental because of the strong correlation in studies between the IQ levels and the blood lead levels in children. This in vitro study shows the existence of oxidative stress in blood-brain barrier cells due to lead exposure. Administration of lead acetate (PbA) to cultures of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVEC) had a concentration and timedependent inhibitory effect on cell survival. To evaluate the nature of lead’s effect, we measured glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and catalase activities in lead-exposed HBMVEC cells. Increases in GSH, ROS and activity of catalase were observed in cultures receiving PbA. In order to investigate whether these changes in oxidative stress parameters caused any functional abnormalities, dextrin permeability assay and TEER, a test used to measure trans-endothelial resistance, were performed.
