Lead-induced fetal nephrotoxicity in iron-deficient rats

Lead administration (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 ppm, as lead acetate) in drinking water during fetal development (from 15 to 20 days of gestation), in normal and iron-deficient pregnant rats, revealed dose-dependent increases in the lead content of maternal blood that was more marked in iron-deficient animals. The placentae and fetuses did not show a dose-dependent increase in lead content. Lead administration revealed dose-dependent hydropic degeneration of renal proximal cells in the fetuses. The highest dose (2000 ppm lead) and iron deficiency exhibited more lead accumulation in maternal blood, placentae, and fetuses, and maximum pathologic changes in the fetal kidney when compared with the other doses and also with the fetuses of dams not deficient in iron.