Changes of blood pressure and Hematological changes induced by exposure of low- and high-level lead in the rats

The physiological responses caused by exposure of high- and low-level lead exhibit different phase. Low-level lead continuous hypertension, but high-level lead can in the development of hypertension. In this study it was tested which difference can be caused as lead levels and, if it can be caused, whether hematological changes are related with the hypertensive effects induced by different levels of lead exposure was tested. Lead intoxication in male SD rats was induced by exposure through drinking water containing 50, 200 and 1000 ppm lead (as lead acetate). The animals of control group was supplied drinking water containing sodium acetate ad libitum. The number of each animal group was 10. Systolic blood pressures were measured in the unanesthetized state by the tail-cuff technique at 0, 3, 7 and 16 weeks. RBC, WBC, MCV, hemoglobin, hematocrit and whole blood viscosity levels were examined.