title: Embryo-fetal development influenced by lead exposure in iron-deficient rats.
abstract: Lead administered (250, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm Pb as lead nitrate) through drinking water from the 6th to the 14th day of gestation in iron-deficient rats, resulted in a significantly reduced litter size, reduced fetal weight and a reduced crown-rump length, increased resorption and a higher blood-lead uptake in those groups receiving 1000 and 2000 ppm Pb. These animals also had a higher placental lead uptake. However, the level was the same in both groups. Fetal lead uptake remained the same whether or not 2000 ppm lead was given to an iron-deficient or normal iron groups of mothers. This indicates that iron-deficiency renders female rats more susceptible to inducing embryo- and feto-toxicity when given lead through their drinking water.
authors.affiliation: Neurotoxicology Division, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, Lucknow, India.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Saxena
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Murthy
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Chandra
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000097:blood / Q000196:embryology*; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000097:blood; D051381:Rats