Alterations in the Response to Kainic Acid in Rats Exposed to Glufosinate Ammonium, a Herbicide, during Infantile Period

Abstract

Toxic effects of glufosinate ammonium (GLA), a non-selective herbicide, on the brain of infantile rats was studied. Because of the structural analogy between GLA and glutamate, GLA-exposed rats were examined for the wet-dog shakes response to kainic acid. Seven-day-old female rats were injected subcutaneously with a dose 1, 2 or 5mg/kg GLA daily for 7 days. They were weaned at 3 weeks of age and tested for the response to 9mg/kg kainic acid at 5 or 6 weeks of age. The frequency of wet-dog shakes induced by kainic acid showed a significant decrease in all GLA-exposed rats, though there was no significant difference among three dose groups. A significant decrease in the body weight gain was found in the 5mg/kg GLA group. The results suggest that exposure to GLA, even in low doses, during infantile period in the rat induces alterations in the kainic acid receptor in the brain.