Histological Study on the Effect of Low Level Perinatal Lead Exposure on the Cerebellar Cortex of Adult Male Albino Rat

Introduction: Lead contaminating drinking water is most often a problem in houses. As the nervous system is the primary target for the low levels of lead exposure, more attention has been directed towards lead poisoning. Aim of the Work: To determine the toxic effect of chronic low level of lead acetate on the histological structure of the cerebellar cortex of adult male albino rats. Materials and Methods: A total number of 5 pregnant albino rats were used. Lead exposure was initiated on gestation day 6 with the addition of daily doses of 0.2% lead acetate to distilled deionized drinking water and lasted until weaning. Half of the weaned male offspring were maintained on lead treated water supply until the age of two months (treated). The remaining half received distilled deionized water until the age of 2 months (withdrawal). Control animals received distilled deionized water. Specimens from the cerebellar cortex were processed for examination by light and electron microscope. Lead level in blood, urine and cerebellar tissue was estimated by spectrophotometry. Results: In lead exposed rats, Purkinje cells, oligodendrocytes and Golgi cells were affected. The number of Purkinje cells decreased. The myelinated axons showed vacuoles. Blood capillaries were affected. Lead level in blood and cerebellar tissue was high. In the withdrawal group, some Purkinje cells revealed partial recovery while others showed more progress in degeneration. Conclusion: Chronic low level perinatal lead exposure had toxic effect on the cerebellar cortex of adult male albino rat. Mild regression was revealed after lead cessation.