Chronic lead exposure increases blood pressure and myocardial contractility in rats.

We investigated the cardiovascular effects of lead exposure, emphasising its direct action on myocardial contractility. Male Wistar rats were sorted randomly into two groups: control (Ct) and treatment with 100 ppm of lead (Pb) in the drinking water. Blood pressure (BP) was measured weekly.

Acute lead exposure increases arterial pressure: role of the renin-angiotensin system.

Background: Chronic lead exposure causes hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of acute exposure to lead on arterial pressure and elucidate the early mechanisms involved in the development of lead-induced hypertension.

Methodology/principal Findings: Wistar rats were treated with lead acetate (i.

Low-level lead exposure increases systolic arterial pressure and endothelium-derived vasodilator factors in rat aortas.

Chronic lead exposure induces hypertension and alters endothelial function. However, treatment with low lead concentrations was not yet explored. We analyzed the effects of 7 day exposure to low lead concentrations on endothelium-dependent responses.