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CHRONIC TOXICITY OF LEAD AND CADMIUM. I. CHANGES IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF THE PARENTAL GENERATION OF RATS AFTER CHRONIC INTOXICATION WITH LEAD AND CADMIUM
Citation:
Herman, Z., K. Kmieciak-Kolada, R. Szkilnik, R. Brus, AND K. Ludyga. CHRONIC TOXICITY OF LEAD AND CADMIUM. I. CHANGES IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF THE PARENTAL GENERATION OF RATS AFTER CHRONIC INTOXICATION WITH LEAD AND CADMIUM. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/1-80/012.
Description:
This paper examines the effects of chronic exposure to trace amounts of lead and cadmium on the central nervous system of male Westar rats. Treatments consisted of two levels of lead (5 or 50 ppm), two levels of cadmium (0.1 or 5 ppm), and two combined dosages (5 ppm lead and 0.1 ppm cadmium, or 50 ppm lead and 5 ppm cadmium). Treatments were administered in buffered drinking water. The lower dosages generally produced hyperactivity, while higher dosages produced hypoactivity. Effects of lead and cadmium on biogenic amines varied with dose and area of the brain. Biochemical analysis of blood and urine showed no changes in the hematocrit or hemoglobin, but the activity of Delta-ALA dehydratase and serum phosphatase were differentially affected. Concentrations of lead and cadmium in the liver and kidney increased, and positive interaction effects were noted. The results suggest that the level of biogenic amines in discrete brain areas is a very sensitive indicator of central nervous system toxicity to lead and/or cadmium.