[Morphological changes and manganese level in the brain of rat pups subjected to subchronic manganese chloride intoxication].

The morphological alterations in the neurons together with the distribution of the neural and glial cells were studied, the glial index was calculated, and manganese level was determined in n. caudatus, n. accumbens septalis, n. dorsalis and ventralis septalis, and in the fronto-parietal region of the brain cortex in the 40-day old offspring of the rats, which were given a various daily dose (0, 10, and 20 mg/kg) of manganese chloride (MnCl2 x 4H2O) with the first portion of their food 15-20 days prior to pregnancy, during the pregnancy and for one month after the parturition. Manganese intoxication induced elevation of the manganese level in the brain of the pups with the injury of a small portions of the neurons and a pronounced gliosis. We believe that these changes underlie the previously reported disorders in learning processes and emotional state of the pups.