Significance of Bone Trabeculae in the Treatment of Lead Poisoning

Abstract

In contrast to the dense cortical portion, the trabeculae of bone are readily drawn upon to supply the body with fixed base for metabolic needs. Pb metabolism is known to run parallel to that of Ca, and the precipitation of acute Pb intoxication by various metabolic emergencies, such as pneumonia, alcoholism and operations, is well established. Therefore it is desirable to know how much Pb is stored in the trabeculae of bone. Fifteen cats, maintained in part on low, and in part on high Ca diets, were leaded by the intratracheal injection of neutralized PbCO3. The cortical and trabec-ular portions of the bones were analyzed separately and in every animal. With a single exception, the trabecular portion had a higher concentration of Pb (ave. increase 78%). This is especially significant since the Ca content of ashed bone is essentially the same in both places. In children Pb is present in highest concentration in areas where Ca is being most rapidly deposited. This evidence, therefore, supports the value of therapeutic deleading. To be able to liberate some readily available Pb, and then to replace this with uncontaminated Ca salts, is desirable.