Lead induced encephalopathy: An overview

Abstract

In behavioral neurosciences such as neurobiology and biopsychology, animal models enable investigation of brain– behavior relations, with the aim of gaining insight into human behavior and its underlying neuronal and neuroendocrinological processes. In spite of a considerable body of literature giving detailed descriptions of human autopsy material, the pathogenesis of lead induced encephalopathy is not well understood and the cause of neuronal damage is not clear. Lead is ubiquitous in our environment but has no physiologic role in biological systems. Its effects are pervasive yet often subtle, with consequences ranging from cognitive impairment in children to peripheral neuropathy in adults. Exposure of lead can take place either through inhalation of dust, fumes, vapors’, or ingestion of contaminated foods or drinks. Because of its cumulative property it is capable of exerting toxic effects at any level of exposure. Toxic effect of lead on the body is known as Plumbism and it is now well recognized that inorganic lead produces not only clinically defined encephalopathies and neuropathies, but also various behavioral changes indicative of cerebral dysfunction.