Related Experiment Videos
Effect of experimental lead toxicity on cardiovascular function in calves
1Division of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Lead acetate exposure in calves significantly elevates blood pressure and alters electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, indicating cardiovascular toxicity. Histopathology reveals cardiac muscle damage, confirming lead
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Lead exposure is a significant environmental health concern.
- Cardiovascular effects of lead toxicity are well-documented in humans.
- Limited data exists on lead's specific impact on cardiovascular function in young bovines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardiovascular effects of lead acetate in calves.
- To assess changes in arterial blood pressure and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters.
- To correlate clinical findings with histopathological alterations in cardiac tissue.
Main Methods:
- Calves were administered oral doses of lead acetate (5 mg/kg/day).
- Arterial blood pressure and ECG were recorded on days 0, 30, and 60.
- Histopathological examination of cardiac tissue was performed post-mortem.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in arterial blood pressure were observed, peaking on day 60.
- ECG changes included increased P wave duration/amplitude, prolonged P-R interval, decreased Q-T interval, and T wave inversion.
- Histopathology revealed cardiac muscle degeneration, mononuclear cell infiltration, and Purkinje fiber swelling.
Conclusions:
- Oral lead acetate administration induces significant cardiovascular dysfunction in calves.
- Lead toxicity affects both hemodynamic parameters and cardiac electrical activity.
- Histopathological findings confirm severe cardiac damage, highlighting the detrimental effects of lead exposure.