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Title: Aspects of neurotoxic effects of lead in neonate Beagle dogs

Journal Article · · Fed. Proc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5225462

Toxicological investigations were conducted in order to assess the potential value of a Beagle dog as a canine model for the study of neurotoxic effects in neonates. Forty-three daily doses of 32 mg/kg of lead acetate given per os resulted in a breakdown of the blood brain barrier evidenced by the penetration of trypan blue into the brain tissue. Beagle pups given lead acetate (125 mg/kg/day) per os, whose dams were pretreated with 5% of lead carbonate three days prior to delivery, exhibited a reddish discoloration of the cerebellum after sacrifice which followed sustained convulsions. This phenomenon was reported in rat by Pentchew et al. and Michaelson et al. but at a much higher daily lead intake. 8.0 and 16.0 mg/kg/day of lead acetate per os administered daily produced a peculiar curve of blood levels throughout the time course of administration. The lead blood levels reached their peak after approx. three weeks. Despite the continuing administration, the lead blood levels fell below 100 ..mu..g% within a few months. In the animals which expired, death was preceded by sustained convulsions. The lead analysis of discrete areas of the brain revealed the highest concentration in the cortex and basal ganglia and the lowest in the cerebellum. Chronic administration of 8.0 and 16.0 mg/kg/day of lead acetate resulted in significantly increased barbiturate sleeping time as compared to controls.

Research Organization:
Bureau of Foods, Washington, DC
OSTI ID:
5225462
Journal Information:
Fed. Proc.; (United States), Vol. 34:5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English