CALMODULIN AND CAMP-DEPENDENT SYNAPTIC VESICLE PROTEIN-PHOSPHORYLATION IN RAT CORTEX FOLLOWING LEAD-EXPOSURE

The effect of in vivo and in vitro lead exposure on calmodulin and cAM P dependent synaptic vesicle protein phosphorylation has been investig ated. Lead could enhance calmodulin activity following in vitro and in vivo lead exposure. The calmodulin dependent synaptic vesicle protein phosphorylation was enhanced following in vivo and in vitro lead expo sure resulting in the depletion of the neurotransmitters norepinephrin e and acetylcholine. The cAMP dependent synaptic vesicle protein phosp horylation was inhibited by both in vitro and in vivo lead treatment. The results suggest that lead adversely affects synaptic vesicle prote in phosphorylation and this may ultimately effect synaptic functions.