Lead induced alterations in hemoglobin content during gestation and lactation in Swiss albino mice.

Number of studies in animal models has shown changes in hemoglobin content after lead administration during gestation and lactation, still lead induced hematological changes are not well established. In the present study, hemoglobin content of normal and lead exposed pregnant and lactating Swiss mice were compared. Pregnant females were exposed to heavy metal lead orally on diet containing 4.5% lead nitrate and lead acetate trihydrate during gestation to 3rd week of lactation. Hemoglobin content and blood cell counts were examined on 15th day of gestation and on 1st, 11th and 21st day after birth. The results indicated that in lead intoxicated pregnant females, hemoglobin content decreased. From the results of above study it can be concluded that high levels of lead exposure during gestation and lactation can severely damage heme synthesis.