title: Retinal degeneration following lead exposure - functional aspects.
abstract: Due to the prevalence of lead (Pb) in the environment, the neurotoxic effects on the human body have become an important clinical problem. Despite that Pb concentration in the environment decreased after banning its use in petrol, it is still a significant issue which can affect child development and vision. This paper focuses on the degeneration of the retina under exposure to lead. We present the most frequent sources of exposure to lead in the environment and the influence on vision, mechanisms leading to the apoptosis of photoreceptor cells, as well as strategies for blocking rod apoptosis. We also present Pb-induced disorders in the calcium metabolism of photoreceptor cells and Ca2+-dependent enzymes.
authors.affiliation: Katedra Biochemii i Chemii Medycznej, Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Szczecinie.
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sobieniecki
authors.affiliation: Zakład Biochemii i Żywienia Człowieka, Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Szczecinie.
authors.forename: Izabela
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gutowska
authors.affiliation: Zakład Histologii i Embriologii, Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Szczecinie.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Machalińska
authors.affiliation: Katedra Biochemii i Chemii Medycznej, Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Szczecinie.
authors.forename: Dariusz
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chlubek
authors.affiliation: Katedra Biochemii i Chemii Medycznej, Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Szczecinie.
authors.forename: Irena
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Baranowska-Bosiacka
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000150:complications*; D012160:Retina / Q000187:drug effects; D012162:Retinal Degeneration / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology