Lead accumulation and metallothionein content in female rats of different ages and generations after daily intake of Pb-contaminated food

Publication date: Available online 3 November 2016 Source:Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology Author(s): Cássia Regina Bruno Nascimento, Wagner Ezequiel Risso, Claudia Bueno dos Reis Martinez Female Wistar rats of different ages (45, 90 and 140 days) and generations (mothers and offspring) were fed a feed containing 2.0mg of Pb kg−1 daily from weaning and the Pb accumulation was determined in different organs and in maternal milk, in addition metallothioneins (MTs) content was determined the liver and kidneys. The results showed that Pb accumulation exhibited the following pattern: bone>liver>kidney>gut>blood cells>muscle>brain>ovary. Bones accumulated the most Pb in all animals, with its concentration increasing with age and prenatal exposure. Pb accumulation in the liver, kidney and blood cells, did not follow a consistent pattern with increasing age and our data did not indicate a relationship between the presence of MTs in liver and kidney and metal accumulation in these organs. However, in the offspring and with increasing age, Pb accumulated in more organs. Mothers fed with Pb produced contaminated milk, exposing their offspring to the metal via nursing Thus, increasing age and prenatal exposure increases susceptibility to Pb toxicity-induced damage.
Source: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research