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Perturbations of erythrocyte membrane integrity by subchronic low-level lead exposure in New Zealand white rabbits

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A Correction to this article was published on 06 June 2018

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Abstract

Lead (Pb) poisoning has been recognised as a clinical condition since ancient times. The anaemia frequently observed in Pb poisoning is thought to result from the shortening of erythrocytes, life span and inhibition of key enzymes of haem synthesis [viz. delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase type 1 (P5N-1) and ferrochelatase]. However, the exact mechanism by which Pb shortens erythrocyte life span is still debatable. In the present study, the effect of ingested Pb on erythrocyte membrane sialic acid content and osmotic fragility of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits was studied. Indices of Pb exposure, RBC counts, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), haematocrit (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of rabbits were investigated. Exposure to Pb significantly decreased (p < 0.05) RBC counts, Hb levels, MCV and MCH. Similarly, exposure to Pb significantly decreased erythrocyte sialic acid content and increased the erythrocyte osmotic fragility of Pb-treated animals. It is speculated that decreases in membrane sialic acid content due to subchronic low-level Pb exposure shortens red cell life span as observed by increases in osmotic fragility.

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Change history

  • 06 June 2018

    The original version of this article contained a mistake. The BLLS value 53.92±14.06 shown in Table 1, Row 7, Column 8 should read 24.67±2.30.

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Acknowledgements

Assistance from Prof Nickodemus M. Useh of the Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, in design, methodology evaluation and review is hereby acknowledged.

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  1. Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB, Makurdi, 2373, Nigeria

    Victor M. Ahur

  2. Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Silvanus M. Anika & Samuel C. Udem

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  1. Victor M. Ahur
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  2. Silvanus M. Anika
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Correspondence to Victor M. Ahur.

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Ahur, V.M., Anika, S.M. & Udem, S.C. Perturbations of erythrocyte membrane integrity by subchronic low-level lead exposure in New Zealand white rabbits. Comp Clin Pathol 27, 893–900 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-018-2679-4

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