Effect of short-term chronic lead toxicity on serum zinc and copper concentrations of male rats

ABSTRACT

The effect of short-term chronic lead acetate toxicity on the concentrations of serum zinc and copper in adult male albino rats was studied. Twenty five animals were used. Estimation of serum zinc and copper were done in the control [non-treated] and lead acetate-treated groups of rats after 5 weeks. The results showed that, the mean serum level of zinc was statistically significantly decreased [p <0.01] in the group of rats treated with lead acetate when compared with the control [non-treated] group. In the same time the mean serum level of copper was statistically significantly increased [p <0.01] in the group of rats treated with lead acetate when also compared with the control [non-treated] group. Therefore, those who are industrially and occupationally exposed to the hazards of toxicity with lead and lead compounds are advised to do periodical serological estimation of both serum zinc and copper to detect as early as possible any change in their normal concentrations which can be considered as an indication of the development of chronic lead toxicity