The Effect of Lead on Lung Histology of Albino Mice Mus musculus

The aim of the study was to investigate the histological changes caused by lead in the lung of albino mice . Twenty five mice were divided into 5 equal groups, . The first group was given distilled water and used as a control group. The second and third groups were orally administered (2 and 4 mg/kg of body weight) lead acetate respectively for two weeks. The fourth and fifth groups were orally administered ( 2 and 4 mg/kg of body weight ) lead acetate for four weeks. Animals were anesthetized and the lungs were extracted for histological studies. The histological changes were observed in the lungs are emphysema, infiltration of mononuclear cells in the interalveolar septa, sloughing of epithelial cells of bronchiole, congestion of blood vessels and blood cells in some bronchi and bronchioles. The lesions were more severe in animals exposed to the high dose. In conclusion the severity of the lesions of lead toxicity depends on the dose of lead and period of exposure.