Interaction of lead with some essential elements in rat's kidney in relation to age.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction of lead given orally with Fe, Zn, and Cu in adult female rats and in their pups. Kidney was chosen for studying this interaction. Four different doses of lead (acetate) from 1500 to 7500 ppm were administered to mature female albino rats in beverages during 6 wk. The exposure lasted from mating up to 3 wk after delivery. Pb, Fe, Zn, and Cu were determined in kidneys of mothers and pups. Histopathological examinations were also performed. Results showed significantly lower concentrations of Fe, Zn, and Cu in kidneys of mothers on all lead levels. Their pups showed no change in concentrations of essential elements and even increased Fe at the highest exposure level. Concentrations of Pb and histopathological changes in the kidney were similar in mothers and offspring, although pups received only a fraction of the mothers' doses. Our results indicate that in immature animals the interaction of Pb with essential elements in the kidney is different from that in their mothers.