Date of Award
12-1980
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Chemistry
First Advisor
Dr. J. Lindsley Foote
Second Advisor
Dr. Mike McCarville
Third Advisor
Dr. Ralph Steinhaus
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of lead on the brain lipids of developing rats.
Lead acetate was added to the drinking water of two pregnant rats. A' control dam was maintained on the same diet without the lead. Following birth and weaning the lead concentration was reduced and an equal number of pups from each litter were sacrificed on days 19, 22, 26, 30, and 35 after birth. The brain lipids were isolated and fatty acid distribution analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography.
Variations in fatty acid distribution between the control and experimental pups were noted for palmitic and arachidonic acids. This difference was greatest in the younger pups but was diminished in the older pups.
These results are consistent with the idea that lead may cause abnormal brain growth as seen by a delay in brain maturation.
Recommended Citation
Stegink, Larry J., "The Effect of Lead on Developing Rat Brain Lipids" (1980). Masters Theses. 1927.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1927