RÉSUMÉ
Introduction: Lead is one of the heavy metals that have adverse effects on blood cells and hemopoiesis. In this study the ultrastructure of neutrophils in fetal rat spleen were investigated following lead intoxication
Material and Methods: Thirty female and 6 male Sprague-Dawley rats were chosen by simple random sampling. After mating the pregnant rats were classified into test and control groups. From the first day of pregnancy the test group was provided ad lib with water containing 0.13% lead acetate and the control group had access to distilled water. After birth 10 newborn in each group were chosen by systematic random sampling. The spleens of the newborn rats were fixed in a solution of 2% glutaraldehyde, and after processing, sections were studied by a transmission electron microscope
Results: The ultrastructural changes included: irregular nuclei with deep invagination, plasma membrane pockets, presence of vacuoles with a heterogeneous material and an increasing incidence of rough endoplasmic reticulum with dilated cisternae. No differences between the groups were observed in the mitochondrial morphology and pattern of cytoplasmic granules [primary granules with electron dense appearance and specific or secondary granules with less electron density and heterogeneous appearance]
Conclusion: Lead transmitted via the placenta can affect the ultrastructure, and most probably the function, of fetal neutrophils. More attention must be given to the dangers of lead pollution of the environment and the need to eliminate exposure to lead in work places