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Endoneurial content of lead related to the onset and severity of segmental demyelination. [Rats]

Journal Article · · J. Neuropathol. Exp. Neurol.; (United States)
The endoneurial lead and water content was serially evaluated in the nerves of rats fed lead carbonate and related to the onset and severity of segmental demyelination and remyelination. Lead began to accumulate significantly in the endoneurium by 5 days, reached a maximum level by 34 days, and then fell to the perineurial level by 3 months. The water content of endoneurium did not become significantly increased until the 50th day. Extensive teased fiber grading of pathologic abnormalities carried out on the same animals showed that segmental demyelination began between the 20th and 35th days and worsened progressively. This provides the first evidence that high endoneurial lead concentration precedes segmental demyelination and nerve edema. It suggests that the random Schwann cell damage is more likely to be due to a direct toxic effect of lead rather than a factor associated with edema or increased endoneurial pressure.
Research Organization:
Mayo Medical School and Foundation, Rochester, MN
OSTI ID:
7096167
Journal Information:
J. Neuropathol. Exp. Neurol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Neuropathol. Exp. Neurol.; (United States) Vol. 39:6; ISSN JNENA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English