Abstract |
Experiments carried out with young rats have indicated that beryllium carbonate can adversely affect the osteogenic processes leading to a series of pathological manifestations including weight loss, curving of the spine, hyperplastic alterations of the conjugation cartilage, modifications of the underlying trabecular structure, hypocalcification, and thickening of the chondriocostal joints. This rickets cannot be attributed to a simple deficiency, since it can be brought about also through maternal milk, and since it cannot be modified by cod liver oil or by vitamin-containing preparations; a broader pathogenic process must be involved, in which toxicity may have the main role. |