title: Effects of lead exposure on growth and bone biology in growing rats exposed to simulated high altitude.
abstract: The existence of children living at high altitude suffering from lead (Pb) poisoning prompted us to investigate the long term effects of this pollutant on growth and bone biology in growing rats maintained at simulated high altitude (SHA). Pb and hypoxia (HX) significantly reduced body weight (-9.4 % and -24 %; p < 0.01) and length (-3 % and -8 %; p < 0.01); decreased femoral ultimate load (-16 % and -40 %; p < 0.01) and femoral energy absorption capacity (-18 % and -74 %; p < 0.01). Oral pathologic alterations were observed in experimental groups. Our findings revealed growth retardation and damages on femoral and mandibular bones that predispose to fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Odontology, University of Buenos Aires, MT Alvear 2142, Buenos Aires, Argentina. miconti@fisio.odon.uba.ar
authors.forename: María Inés
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Conti
authors.forename: Antonela R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Terrizzi
authors.forename: Ching Ming
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Patricia M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Mandalunis
authors.forename: Clarisa
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bozzini
authors.forename: Adriana E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Piñeiro
authors.forename: María del Pilar
authors.initials: Mdel P
authors.lastname: Martínez
mesh_terms: D000531:Altitude; D000818:Animals; D001846:Bone Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D048788:Growth and Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D007854:Lead / Q000633:toxicity*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D007854:Lead