LEAD (Pb) INDUCED ANAEMIA IN SWISS MICE – LIGHT AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDIES

Abstract

Marked reductions in blood haemoglobin level, haematocrit value and erythrocyte count were observed after 1 and 2 weeks of intraperitoneal treatment of Swiss mice with lead nitrate (8 mg/Kg for 5 consecutive days per week), as compared to the respective controls. Echinocytic transformation of many erythrocytes and the formation of a few microcytes, as revealed by both light and scanning electron microscopy, indicated the anaemia to be anisocytic and haemolytic in nature. Moreover, leucopenia accompanied by a decrease of lymphocyte count but rise of neutrophil count was apparent after 2 weeks but not 1 week of treatment. However, cytochemical tests (acid-ferrocyanide reaction and crystal violet staining) indicated that lead treatment did not interfere with utilization of iron for haemoglobin synthesis and also, did not cause denaturation of haemoglobin in already formed erythrocytes. The study hints to the necessity of periodic monitoring of blood picture in workers of different lead-based industries.