Postnatal lead poisoning impairs behavioral recovery following brain damage

Lead is a potent environmental toxicant with well-known effects on intelligence, school achievement and behavior. Lead exposure is also associated with an increased risk of a variety of health problems including cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and renal disease. Considering the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular problems, and stroke following lead exposure, the current research assessed the extent to which postnatal exposure to environmentally relevant levels of lead could impair the recovery from a later occurring brain injury. Using a photochemical thrombotic stroke model we found that postnatal lead exposure significantly impaired post-stroke recovery of beam walking ability and proprioceptive limb placing. Considering the increased risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease in lead-exposed humans, diminished capacity for repair or adaptation following lead exposure needs to now be examined in greater detail.