Increased sensitivity to lead -- animal model: feline porphyria

Individuals with the genetically inherited condition of latent porphyria have been previously hypothesized (1) as being a potential high risk group to elevated lead exposure. More specifically, persons with either clinical symptoms of porphyria or the latent form who also are exposed to excessive lead may have their clinical symptoms exacerbated or possibly induced prematurely, respectively. This paper presents evidence that an animal model (i.e., domestic cats with congenital porphyria) may facilitate the testing of the previous hypothesis.