Effect of anemia on blood and tissue lead in rats

Abstract

The effect of anemia on the Pb content of blood, red cells and tissue was studied in rats given oral Pb, 54 mg/kg-day for 6 days. The 16 rats made anemic (hematocrit, 26%) by bleeding on days 1, 3 and 5 had significantly higher concentrations of Pb in the kidney, liver, red cells, blood and brain (but not in the bone marrow). Increases in blood Pb in anemic subjects were correlated with the concentrations in red cells, kidney and liver. The greater increase in the Pb content of all tissues of the anemic rats is consistent with increased Pb absorption in anemia and is considered relevant to the clinical coexistence of anemia and Pb poisoning.