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Lead in bone: storage site, exposure source, and target organ
E K Silbergeld1, J Sauk, M Somerman
1Department of Epidemiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore 21201.
Neurotoxicology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Bone lead is a significant reservoir that can be released into circulation, impacting health during physiological changes. Measuring bone lead offers valuable insights for clinical and epidemiological studies.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Bone Biology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Bone serves as the primary storage site for lead in the body.
- Lead in bone is increasingly recognized as a potential source of endogenous exposure.
- Limited research has explored the physiological significance of bone lead.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of bone lead as a physiological compartment.
- To discuss the clinical and epidemiological utility of in vivo bone lead measurement.
- To explore the mobilization and toxicological implications of bone lead.
Main Methods:
- Advances in measurement technology enable direct in vivo quantitative measurement of bone lead.
- Epidemiological and clinical studies utilize bone lead levels.
- Investigation into mechanisms of lead's effect on mineral metabolism.
Main Results:
- Bone lead can be mobilized into circulation during changes in mineral metabolism (e.g., pregnancy, menopause, kidney disease).
- Bone lead represents a significant source of target organ exposure under specific conditions.
- Accumulation of lead in bone cells may adversely affect bone status.
Conclusions:
- Bone lead is a dynamic reservoir, not merely a passive sink.
- In vivo bone lead measurement is crucial for understanding lead toxicity and exposure.
- Lead's impact on bone mineral metabolism may contribute to its broader systemic toxic effects.