The Identification and Localization of Lead in Bone Tissue

Abstract

A method of positively identifying Pb in bone tissue has been evolved which permits detailed investigation of the Pb deposit. While the epiphyseal portion of bone is rich in Pb, particularly in the early stage of Pb absorption, deposition occurs throughout the compact tissue on all surfaces over which blood passes. X-ray studies of the bones of Pb-poisoned animals indicate that the amount of Pb, whether segregated or diffused, even in the absence of Ca, is insufficient to be revealed by ordinary X-ray photography. Deposition of Pb was shown to occur in the fat cells of the red marrow. Pb storage in bone tissue occurs first as colloidally dispersed and finally as segregated crystalline masses.