Haemopoiesis in lead poisoning

Abstract

A study was made of blood and urinary porphyrins in Pb workers in order to ascertain how Pb affects hemopoiesis. The physiological action of small amts. of Pb cannot be explained in terms of partial prevention of Fe-porphyrin complex formation. The occurrence of protoporphyrin and non-Hb Fe to the extent observed in these and other expts. appears to be incidental to restricted cellular activity. Diminution of Hb in Pb poisoning is a consequence, not of non-utilisation of protoporphyrin, but of restricted formation of this vital pigment.