Changes in Schwann cells and vessels in lead neuropathy

Journal Article · Mon Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Am. J. Pathol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6529144

Powell, H C; Myers, R R; Lampert, P W

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of peripheral nerve in rats receiving 6% lead carbonate for 4-10 weeks provided evidence of a specific Schwann cell injury, associated with demyelination. Intranuclear inclusions in Schwann cells appeared within 2 weeks of administration of a lead-containing diet. Swelling of Schwann cells and disintegration of their cytoplasm was evident at 4 weeks. Distinctive electron-dense inclusions appeared in both Schwann and endothelial cells during the period of intoxication and were ultrastructurally identical to pathognomonic inclusions of lead poisoning seen in renal tubular epithelial cells. Scanning microscopy (SEM) with electron-probe microanalysis was used to identify the lead-containing deposits. In addition to Schwann cell changes, vessels revealed endothelial cell injury and alteread permeability to macromolecules. Since morphologic changes of Schwann cells precede the development of altered vascular permeability and endoneurial edema, it appears that lead gains access to the endoneurium prior to the development of altered vascular permeability, suggesting that edema and altered endoneurial fluid pressure are epiphenomena that supervene after demyelination occurs. Remyelination, Schwann cell proliferation and formation of onion bulbs are manifestations of persistent toxic injury to myelin-sustaining cells, resulting in chronic demyelination.

• Research Organization: Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego
• OSTI ID: 6529144
• Journal Information: Am. J. Pathol.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Pathol.; (United States) Vol. 109:2; ISSN AJPAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMAL CELLS
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
DISEASES
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
ELEMENTS
LEAD
LIPIDS
LIPOPROTEINS
MAMMALS
METALS
MICROSCOPY
MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES
MYELIN
NERVE CELLS
NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PATHOLOGY
PROTEINS
RATS
RODENTS
SENSITIVITY
SOMATIC CELLS
TOXICITY
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
VERTEBRATES