The effects of the daily intake of feed containing lead (2.0 mg Pb kg(-1)) were evaluated in 45 (Pb45) and 90 (Pb90)-day-old Wistar female rats. Compared to the respective control groups, Pb45 rats consumed more feed and showed greater weight gain, but these parameters returned to control values in Pb90 rats. Higher blood glucose levels were observed in both Pb groups, whereas plasma insulin concentrations were higher in Pb45 but lower in the Pb90 group. Liver glycogen content was lower only in the Pb90 rats. There were no changes in plasma cortisol and acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain. Hematological alterations were observed only in Pb90 rats, which showed lower hemoglobin levels. In the liver, Pb45 rats showed decreased catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities and increased glutathione reductase activity, but in the Pb90 group, glutathione levels were higher. Increased hepatic lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in the lymphocytes were observed in both Pb groups. These results indicate that the daily intake of Pb for different periods results in metabolic changes and in the establishment of oxidative and genotoxic damage in female rats.
Keywords: Blood glucose; DNA damage; Hematology; Insulin; Metal; Oxidative stress.
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