Distribution of Lead in Blood and Organs of Mice Exposed to Lead-Contaminated Drinking Water

Pb levels in blood, liver, lung, kidney, heart and brain of male mice were measured after exposure to Pb as lead nitrate solution (0.1mg/mL)using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The resultant data show that 98% of lead exposed in blood is accumulated in red blood cells. For other target organs, the accumulation of lead is in an order of kidney, liver, spleen, lung, brain and heart. The accumulation of lead in brain gradually increases with lead exposure while the accumulation of lead in the other target organs reaches balance after 15-20 days.