Lead bone toxicity in growing rats exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2012 Oct;89(4):693-8. doi: 10.1007/s00128-012-0753-1. Epub 2012 Jul 31.

Abstract

Lead chronic intoxication under hypoxic conditions revealed growth retardation in growing rats and damages on femoral and mandibular bones that predispose to fractures. These findings aimed us to investigate if bone material and geometric properties, bone mass in terms of histomorphometry or antioxidant capacity are also impaired in such experimental model. Combined treatments significantly reduced hemimandible cross sectional geometry and intrinsic stiffness (-16% and -34%); tibia and hemimandible bone volume (-45% and -40%) and growth plate cartilage thickness (-19%). These results show a previously unreported toxic effect of lead on mandible however, longer studies should be necessary to evaluate if an adaptation of bone architecture to maintain structural properties may occur and if the oxidative stress can be identified as the primary contributory agent in the pathogenesis of lead poisoning.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Density / drug effects
  • Bone Development / drug effects*
  • Bone and Bones / drug effects
  • Bone and Bones / physiology
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Femur / drug effects
  • Femur / growth & development*
  • Growth Plate
  • Hypoxia / veterinary
  • Lead / toxicity*
  • Male
  • Mandible / drug effects
  • Mandible / growth & development*
  • Rats
  • Tibia

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Lead