Abnormalities of Erythrocytes and Renal Tubules of Chicks Poisoned with Lead

Abstract

SUMMARY Lead toxicosis was produced in chicks by feeding lead (as lead acetate) at the dose level of 5,000 or 10,000 p.p.m. Signs of toxicosis included ataxia and decrease in body weight gain and feed intake. The lead content of livers of chicks fed the large dose (10,000 p.p.m.) was 82.5 p.p.m. and of controls, 0.5 p.p.m. In studies by light and electron microscopy, various stages of mitosis were observed in the erythrocytes in the peripheral blood of chicks fed either dose. By light microscopy, necrosis of the epithelium of the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidneys was observed, and by electron microscopy, nuclei of these cells were seen to contain irregular-shaped, electron-dense inclusions.