EFFECT OF LOW PROTEIN-DIET ON MANGANESE NEUROTOXICITY .3. BRAIN NEUROTRANSMITTER LEVELS

The effect of concurrent low protein (10% casein) diet and manganese (Mn) exposure (3 mg/ml drinking water) on brain levels of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were investigated in Fo-growing (90 days exposure), Fo-diet rehabilitated (low .fwdarw. normal protein diet-28 days) and FI-weaned rats. Mn exposure in either diet group resulted in a significant increase in the DA and NE levels but a decrease in the 5-HT level. These effects were more pronounced in the rats fed the low protein diet, especially in the F1-offsprings. Diet rehabilitation reduced the effects of Mn exposure.