Histochemical Characterization of the Cytoplasmic Inclusions Induced by Chronic Lead Toxicity

This study was designed to characterize the nature of the cytoplasmic inclusions induced by chronic lead toxicity. A battery of histological and histochemical techniques was applied on these inclusions induced in the kidneys of adult male rabbits received 1% lead acetate in their drinking water. The results proved that lead cytoplasmic inclusions are heterogeneous deposits contain lead, basic proteins, neutral and acidic lipids, and unsaturated fats but devoid of nucleic acids. The staining ability of these inclusions proved that they are basic in nature containing positive roots in their auxochromes, and having reduction ability. These inclusions have shown affinity towards anionic dyes that carry acidic radicals with no affinity towards cationic dyes. These inclusions have shown orthochromatic, argyrophilic, osmophilic, fuchsinophilic and sudanophilic affinities but no alcianophilia. The results are discussed in the context of lead cytoplasmic inclusions protection function from lead toxicity