Abstract:

The aim of the study was to investigate effects of high dose lead (Pb) exposure on heart, blood, kidney, liver and brain in rabbits using clinical, electrocardiographical (ECG), ultrasonographical, haematological, biochemical and pathological methods. The experiments were performed on 15 male New Zealand rabbits, divided into three equal groups and were orally given 80 ppm or 160 ppm Pb for 15 days and the other group was used as control. Administration of 80 or 160 ppm lead signifi cantly increased the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanin aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Hemoglobin (HB) and hematocrit (HCT) values were signifi cantly lower in 80 and 160 ppm Pb-treated animals compared to the control animals (p<0.001). QRS complexes were wider and amplitudes of T wave were larger in treatment groups compared to contro group (p<0.05). Severe hydropic and vacuoler degenerations were seen in hepatocytes and vacuolation and degeneration of proximal tubular epithelial cells in cortex in the treatment groups histopathologically. Some neurons were severely degenerated, and severe neuron necroses were seen in cornu ammonis of bothof the treatment groups. Severe mononuclear cell infi ltrations were observed in Wirchow-Robin spaces. In conclusion, deleterious effects observed in liver, kidney and blood in high doses of lead administration with some similarities to chronic oral administration of low doses.

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