Analysis of Gross Anatomical Parameters of Kidney in Male Rats Following Lead Poisoning by Using a Stereological Method

ead is one of the heavy metals, which has adverse effects on renal function and driving to
nephropathy. The aim of present experiment was to surveyed changes in gross anatomic
parameters of kidney following lead poisoning by an unbiased stereological technique.
In this experimental study 66 male adult Wistar rats selected randomly and divided into 6
groups, 3 control and 3 administration groups (n=11). Administration groups received a
solution of 0.13% lead acetate as drinking water for a period of 4, 8 and 12 weeks
respectively. Simultaneously controls received distilled water at the same periods respectively.
Thereafter at the end of each period kidney dissected and after fixation in Lilie’s solution,
embedded in 7% agar, sectioned into 1 millimeter slices by means of a tissue slicer. Then
stereological analysis includes determining total volume of kidney, volume of renal cortex and
medulla performed by a method based on Cavalier’s principle. Data were analyzed by oneway
ANOVA and differences between groups less than 0.05 considered significant.
There was an increase in mean total volume of kidney in administration groups compared
to their controls. This was significant in groups, which received lead acetate as drinking water
for 8 and 12 weeks (P<0.01). Mean cortical volume increased in administration groups in
comparison to own controls. This was significant just in 12-weeks group (P<0.01). Mean
medullary volume increased in administration groups in comparison to own controls. This was
also significant only in 12-week group (P<0.01) . Total volume and cortical volume of kidney
in lead administration groups showed that total volume in 12 weeks administration group had
significant differences in comparison with 4-weeks and 8-weeks groups (P<0.01). There was
also showed in 12-weeks administration group a significant difference in comparison with two

other administration groups (P<0.01). There was also a significant difference between
medullary volumes of 12-weeks administration group with 4-weeks administration group
(P<0.01) but when it was compared with 8-weeks administration group, there was not any
significant difference between these groups (P<0.05).
This study by using a quantitative and precise stereological method showed that Lead may
cause renal injuries in long periods.