Biochemical effects of lead pollution in male albino rats

ABSTRACT

Lead pollution is considered as one of the major risk factors for pregnant women and children. In addition to its dangerous effect on growing youth, lead can accumulate in different organs in the human body. The biological effects of lead exposure in drinking water at different lead doses on male albino rats were investigated. Lead was given to rats in drinking water at 100, 500 and 1000 ppm for 7 weeks. It was observed that lead content was increased in kidneys, liver, brain, RBC's and serum by 26.7, 9.2, 10.7, 12.3 and 5.4-folds respectively at 1000 ppm lead dose compared with control group. It was observed that kidney accumulated very high concentration of lead as compared with other organs with a concomitant increase in serum creatinine in all lead exposed groups with the possibility of producing chronic renal failure. AST, ALT and creatinine were significantly increased by increasing the lead exposure dose. Also, the activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase [delta ALAD] was significantly decreased by increasing lead exposure with a concomitant significant decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrite levels but with non-significant decrease in iron indicating the possibility that chronic lead exposure could produce anemia