Metabolism and mechanisms of cytotoxic action of the lead in mammals

The real ecological situation in the Russian Federation is characterized by environmental pollution with lead compounds (V.V. Snakin, 1998). The mode of action, intake, distribution in animal body and excretion of this toxic heavy metal are substantial to establish its permissible limits and biological effects. These data are constantly replenished and require updating to reflect changes in climatic and environmental conditions, anthropogenic impacts, and geographic differences. Absorption of lead in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of mammals depends on the permeability of the membrane of intestinal epithelial cells and is influenced by physicochemical properties of a compound (concentration, particle size, mineralogical composition, solubility in the liquid environment of GIT, ionic potential, atomic mass), physiological feaatures of an organism (metabolism, body weight, age, gender, pregnancy, lactation), the diet composition and levels of protein, cellulose, calcium, zinc, iron, manganese, and vitamin D (J...