Effect Of Lead Nitrate On The Liver Of The Developing Chick Embryos

Abstract

The liver of chick embryos treated with 0.03, 0.05 and 0.1 mg lead nitrate/egg showed disorganization of hepatic cords, abnormally enlarged blood sinusoids and extensive cell necrosis. The hepatocytes of lead-treated embryos possessed vacuolated cytoplasm beside small irregular and darkly stained nuclei. Liver proteins of lead-treated chick embryos show insignificant variations during almost all developmental stages. However, a significant increase in liver proteins was noticed in 9-day embryos treated with 0.1 mg lead nitrate/egg. The percentages of all liver protein bands of lead-treated embryos during different stages varied markedly from those of corresponding controls. Different doses of lead nitrate caused an increase of the activity of all investigated enzymes, with a variable values, at almost all developmental stages. Liver alkaline phosphatase and GOT of 9-day chick embryos appeared to be sensitive even to the low doses of lead nitrate while those of late stages can tolerate the same doses