Tissue distribution of lead in the neonatal rat exposed to multiple doses of lead acetate

Abstract

The tissue distribution of lead (Pb) was examined in the neonatal rat intragastricaliy administered lead acetate (50 mg/kg, containing ²¹⁰ Pb) beginning on d 6 postpartum and thereafter at 3‐d intervals to d 18. A time‐dependent pattern of uptake was observed in bone, kidney, liver, and brain, while stomach, lung, heart, and spleen had no accumulation of Pb. The highest concentration of Pb at d 21 was detected in bone, and the least amount was found in blood and brain. Body weight was not significantly affected by the level of Pb exposure employed.