EVALUATION OF MALONDIALDEHYDE AS AN INDEX OF LEAD DAMAGE IN RAT-BRAINHOMOGENATES

Lipid peroxidation in vitro homogenates of brain was examined as seque la of lead toxicity. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in homogenate s of rat brain (1 ml, 5% w/v) treated with lead (50 mu g) alone or in combination with ascorbic acid (100 mu g), alphatocopherol (100 mu g) or hydroquinone (100 mu g) were evaluated, The levels of MDA were cons istently evoked by lead in a dose-related manner. The toxicity of lead was further advanced by the action of the pro-oxidant drug ascorbic a cid on the brain, However, the anti-oxidant drugs alphatocopherol and hydroquinone decreased the toxic effect of lead on the brain. These re sults clearly show that the enhanced lipid peroxidation may provide a basis of lead-induced neurotoxicity.