RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEAD ACCUMULATION IN BLOOD AND SOFT TISSUES OF RATS SUBCHRONICALLY EXPOSED TO LOW LEVELS OF LEAD

Abstract

Studies on the distribution of lead (Pb) at exposure levels that produce blood Pb levels similar to those considered a potential concern ( 10-14 mug/dl) are seriously lacking in the scientific literature. Because the manifestations of toxic effects of Pb vary depending on concentration and site of action, delineation of patterns of accumulation of Pb in tissues that may serve as sites of action at low levels of exposure may provide critical clues in elucidating the toxic effects of Pb. Also of importance is the contention that blood Pb levels may not adequately represent the potential for tissue-specific toxicity, particularly at low levels of exposure. This study was designed to examine the temporal pattern of Pb accumulation in blood and in various soft tissues during subchronic oral exposure to 5 or 50 ppm Pb. Sixty-three Long-Evans male rats (21 days old) were randomly divided into three groups and were provided 0 (50 ppm sodium acetate), 5, or 50 ppm Pb acetate in drinking water for 90 days. Rats fro...