RAPID BIOASSAY SYSTEM FOR LEAD USING YOUNG JAPANESE QUAIL

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 2  (3) , 767-779
Abstract
A rapid bioassay of Pb was established in young Japanese quail. Each group of 10 day old birds received deionized water and a purified diet ad libitum for 2 wk. The diet contained 0.2 .mu.g/Pb/g. Lead acetate was added to give 14.8, 34.4, 51.2, 74.4, 234, 563 or 1223 .mu.g total Pb/g by analysis. The duodenum, kidneys, liver and tibias were assayed for Pb. Consumption of a diet containing either 563 or 1223 ppm Pb caused a decrease (P .ltoreq. 0.05) in body weight after 1 wk and an increase in free erythrocyte protoporphyrin after 2 wk. Inhibition of red blood cells .DELTA.-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity occurred in birds consuming as little as 14.8 ppm Pb. Packed cell volumes and hemoglobin concentrations were not affected by the dietary treatments. Pb concentrations in tissues from birds fed the lowest level of added Pb were greater than those in the corresponding tissues of control birds. The concentration of Pb in the tibia showed the most distinguishable group means and the most nearly linear response; the highest slope was between 14.8 and 110 ppm dietary Pb, using log-log transformations. The rapid bioassay is suitable for investigating high Pb foods.