A study on the effects of inorganic lead on postnatal development of the motor cerebral cortex in albino rat

Abstract EN

Lead is a major environmental toxin.

Its toxicity causes haematdlogical, gastrointestinal and neurological dysfunctions.

In this study, there is a trial to elucidate how much inorganic lead affects the postnatal development of the motor area of the cerebrum.

Two groups of pregnant female albino rats were used; control and experimental.

The experimental rats were fed on chow, tap water, libitum and 1% lead carbonate from the first day of parturition.

The ages of the pups examined were 3,9,12,15 and 21 days postnatally for both groups.

The rats were anaesthesized with ether and decapitated.

The brains were extracted, histologically processed and stained with Einarson's Gallocyanine.

The results showed that the motor area of the control group has completed its maturation by the 21s' day postnatally which is the end of lactation.

This is indicated by the differentiation of the nerve cells, increased size of their cell bodies nuclei and Nissl's granules.

Also, there has been increased thickness ofthe cortex with decreased packing of the cells.

The experimental group showed, from day 9 postnatally, less distinct stratification of the motor cortex compared with the control group and delayed maturation of the cortical layers.

There was as well cavitation and neurocytic chromatolysis particularly at days 12 and 15.

Pericapillary space and capillary dilatation were seen.