Lead intoxication is a worldwide health problem which frequently affects the kidney. In this work, we studied the effects of chronic lead intoxication (500 ppm of Pb in drinking water during seven months) on the structure, function and biochemical properties of rat proximal tubule cells. Lead-exposed animals showed increased lead concentration in kidney, reduction of calcium and amino acids uptake, oxidative damage and glucosuria, proteinuria, hematuria and reduced urinary pH. These biochemical and physiological alterations were related to striking morphological modifications in the structure of tubule epithelial cells and in the morphology of their mitochondria, nuclei, lysosomes, basal and apical membranes. Interestingly, in addition to the nuclei, inclusion bodies were found in the cytoplasm and in mitochondria. The epithelial cell structure modifications included an early loss of the apical microvillae, followed by a decrement of the luminal space and the respective apposition and proximity of apical membranes, resulting in the formation of atypical intercellular contacts and adhesion structures. Similar but less marked alterations were observed in subacute lead intoxication as well. Our work contributes in the understanding of the physiopathology of lead intoxication on the structure of renal tubular epithelial cell-cell contacts in vivo.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tiv.2009.07.020DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

lead intoxication
20
proximal tubule
8
tubule cells
8
apical membranes
8
intoxication
5
lead
5
effects lead
4
intoxication intercellular
4
intercellular junctions
4
junctions biochemical
4

Similar Publications

Analgesic Overdose in Patients With Dental Pain. A Cross-Sectional Study in Two Dental Emergency Clinics.

Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol

February 2025

Department of Odontology, Section of Oral Biology and Immunopathology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Dental pain is common, and many patients use analgesics to alleviate the pain. Analgesics are readily accessible, and overdosing may lead to severe complications. This study explores the extent of analgesic overdosing in patients with dental pain.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Accidental ingestion of lead (Pb)-contaminated soils represents a major route of Pb exposure for both adults and children, and the development of accessible and cost-effective solutions to reduce Pb poisoning is urgently required. Here, we present an effective and straightforward technique, involving the consumption of cola beverages, for the purpose of lowering blood Pb levels following the ingestion of contaminated soils in animal models. This method facilitated the direct passage of Pb in contaminated soil through the digestive system, enhancing its elimination without absorption into systemic circulation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The carboxyl terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP) is pivotal for managing misfolded and aggregated proteins via chaperone networks and degradation pathways. In a preclinical rodent model of CHIP-related ataxia, we observed that CHIP mutations lead to increased levels of phosphodiesterase 9A (PDE9A), whose role in this context remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of PDE9A in CHIP-related ataxia and demonstrated that CHIP binds to PDE9A, facilitating its polyubiquitination and autophagic degradation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Ameliorative role of bioactive compounds against lead-induced neurotoxicity.

Neuroscience

January 2025

Department of Radiation Biology and Toxicology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India. Electronic address:

Lead (Pb) is an environmental toxin ubiquitously present in the human environment due to anthropogenic activities and industrialization. Lead can enter the human body through various sources and pathways, such as inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact, leading to detrimental health effects. The majority of lead that enters the body is removed by urine or feces; however, under chronic exposure conditions, lead is not efficient, as lead is absorbed and transferred to numerous organs, such as the brain, liver, kidney, muscles, and heart, and it is ultimately stored in mineralizing tissues such as bones and teeth.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Niclofolan is a commonly used veterinary drug worldwide. We reported a case of acute niclofolan intoxication in a pregnant woman. We recorded in detail her toxic symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, asthenia, blurred vision, and aberrant blood values.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!