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Effects of Lead Exposure on Growth and Bone Biology in Growing Rats Exposed to Simulated High Altitude

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Abstract

The existence of children living at high altitude suffering from lead (Pb) poisoning prompted us to investigate the long term effects of this pollutant on growth and bone biology in growing rats maintained at simulated high altitude (SHA). Pb and hypoxia (HX) significantly reduced body weight (−9.4 % and −24 %; p < 0.01) and length (−3 % and −8 %; p < 0.01); decreased femoral ultimate load (−16 % and −40 %; p < 0.01) and femoral energy absorption capacity (−18 % and −74 %; p < 0.01). Oral pathologic alterations were observed in experimental groups. Our findings revealed growth retardation and damages on femoral and mandibular bones that predispose to fractures.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the collaboration of physiology laboratory technicians Graciela M. Champin and Elsa Lingua, Department of Physiology, School of Dentistry, University of Buenos Aires. This investigation was supported by research grants from University of Buenos Aires (UBACyT 20020090200013).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Odontology, University of Buenos Aires, MT Alvear 2142, 3rd Floor “A”, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    María Inés Conti, Antonela R. Terrizzi, Ching Ming Lee, Clarisa Bozzini & María del Pilar Martínez

  2. Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Odontology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Patricia M. Mandalunis

  3. Department of Toxicology and Legal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Adriana E. Piñeiro

Authors
  1. María Inés Conti
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  2. Antonela R. Terrizzi
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  3. Ching Ming Lee
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  4. Patricia M. Mandalunis
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  5. Clarisa Bozzini
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  6. Adriana E. Piñeiro
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  7. María del Pilar Martínez
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Correspondence to María Inés Conti.

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Conti, M.I., Terrizzi, A.R., Lee, C.M. et al. Effects of Lead Exposure on Growth and Bone Biology in Growing Rats Exposed to Simulated High Altitude. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 88, 1033–1037 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-012-0602-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-012-0602-2

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