RESUMO
Lead is a nonessential, toxic, heavy metal widely distributed in the environment and chronic exposure to low levels of this agent is of public concern in many countries. Lead is a toxic agent with multiple target organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, the hematopoietic system, the immune system, the kidneys and the endocrine, reproductive and nervous systems. This study aimed to study the toxic effect of lead acetate on the histological structure of the adrenal cortex of adult male albino rats and the possible protective role of vitamin E in the these changes. Fifty male albino rats were divided into three groups: group I [10 animals] was used as a control, group II [20 animals] received lead acetate alone, and group III [20 animals] received the same lead acetate dose and supplementation with vitamin E, 6 h before lead acetate was given. At the end of the experiment [3 months], rats were killed and the adrenal glands were obtainerl. In the group that received lead acetate, the histological structure of the three zones of the adrenal cortex was markedly affected when examined by both light and electron microscopes. In the zona glomerulosa, there was loss of architecture and marked destruction of most of the cells. The electromicrograph of both the zona glomerulosa and fascicula showed degenerated mitochondria and vacuolation of the cytoplasm. These changes were not completely reversed with the use of vitamin E. The use of vitamin E may have little beneficial effect on the protection of the suprarenal cortex against lead acetate toxicity