Detection and cellular localization of lead by electron probe analysis in the diagnosis of suspected lead poisoning in rhesus monkeys.

Lead poisoning of unknown source was diagnosed histologically in 2 rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) by finding acid-fast intranuclear inclusion bodies in the epithelial cells of renal cortical tubules. The presence of lead in the inclusions was determined by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray analysis using sections from paraffin embedded tissues. This observation indicates the usefulness of this technique for the detection and cellular localization of lead in tissues, even from archival material.