Inhibition of dopamine transport and binding of [3H] spiperone to dopamine D2 receptor by acute Pb -: Toxicity in vivo

Alterations of dopamine transport and binding of [H-3] spiperone to dopamine D-2 receptor following acute lead intoxication in an in vivo experimental model in adult rats imitate the acute action of Pb2+ in occupationally exposed workers or in occasional incidents of poisoning. The results show that lead-intoxication causes an increased Pb level in blood, a decrease in dopamine uptake and release in synaptosomes and affects the dopamine D-2 receptor. These data show that Ph-intoxication may cause severe disturbances in the transport and receptor binding of dopamine, which is involed in the regulation of a variety of functions including locomotor activity, emotion and neuroendocrine secretion.