Morphological alterations of neurons and astrocytes in guinea pigs exposed to low levels of inorganic lead

Both astrocytes and neurons potentially undergo structural and functional alterations in the brains of animals exposed to low levels of lead (Pb). No morphometric studies of astrocytes have been reported to date in animals in low Pb exposure. In the present study, morphometric measurements of astrocytes and pyramidal neurons in the frontoparietal cortex were made in guinea pigs exposed postnatally (5 or 10 days) or prenatally (gestational day 22 to birth) to low Pb levels. Although few significant effects of Pb treatment were detected by the rigorous statistical model applied, a recurring trend was noted for postnatal Pb treatment to increase astrocyte maximum diameter (dmax). In addition, prenatal Pb treatment was associated with increased apical and basal dendritic length, increased total apical dendrites per cell and an increased basal branching complexity in neurons.