In vivo modulation of muscarine receptors in rat brain by acute lead intoxication.

In our experiments on acutely lead exposed rats we observed a marked increase (a 2-fold or 3-fold increase with 30 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg lead acetate, respectively) in [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate [( 3H]QNB) specific binding to muscarine receptors from striatum and cortex, without any change in receptor affinity. Muscarine receptor level was maximal 2 h after intoxication, but the effect of lead on [3H]QNB binding was completely reversible in 24 h, without any lead redistribution to other brain areas being observed during this time period. Modulation of muscarine receptors in rat brain during in vivo acute intoxication might be involved in some of the observed neurotoxic effects of lead, resulting of an action on cholinergic neurotransmission. The various possible mechanisms of the lead effect on [3H]QNB binding are discussed.