Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Pb neurotoxicity: neuropsychological effects of lead toxicity
Lisa H Mason1, Jordan P Harp1, Dong Y Han2
1Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 740 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY 40536, USA ; Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, 106b Kastle Hall, Lexington, KY 40506, USA.
Abstract:
Neurotoxicity is a term used to describe neurophysiological changes caused by exposure to toxic agents. Such exposure can result in neurocognitive symptoms and/or psychiatric disturbances. Common toxic agents include heavy metals, drugs, organophosphates, bacterial, and animal neurotoxins. Among heavy metal exposures, lead exposure is one of the most common exposures that can lead to significant neuropsychological and functional decline in humans. In this review, neurotoxic lead exposure's pathophysiology, etiology, and epidemiology are explored. In addition, commonly associated neuropsychological difficulties in intelligence, memory, executive functioning, attention, processing speed, language, visuospatial skills, motor skills, and affect/mood are explored.
Related Concept Videos
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Disorders of the Nervous Tissue
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions
Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

