Lead nitrate induced changes in the brain constituents of the freshwater fish Clarias batrachus (L).

Exposure of C batrachus to 5 ppm lead nitrate for 150 days resulted in the significant elevation of brain histamine and serotonin content, but Gamma aminobutyric acid level showed a decrease. Lead significantly reduced the brain monoamine oxidase and acetylcholinesterase activity. In addition, lead significantly lowered the brain lipid, cholesterol, protein and ascorbic acid contents. These findings suggest that lead significantly impairs the brain neurotransmitter function.