Cytochemical alterations of adrenals in lead-treated rats

Cytochemical investigations of steroid 3 beta-delta 5-OHD, sudanophilic substances, adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), and adenosine monophosphatase (AMPase) activities in the adrenal of male young rats that had received lead acetate daily at dosages of 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg and 6 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 30 days revealed that lead treatment with low dosages (1 mg and 2 mg/kg) accelerated both cortical and medullary functions. Treatment with high dosages (4 mg and 6 mg/kg), however, inhibited the function of adrenals in both regions. Histochemical studies showed that the alteration in enzymatic activities in cortical and medullary regions revealed the possible mechanism of action of lead on the adrenals.