Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
5-31-1984
Degree Name
Master of Science in Environmental Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
First Advisor
Burton P. Fine
Second Advisor
Richard B. Trattner
Abstract
The relationship between chronic, low level lead exposure and hypertension has been a controversial issue for nearly a century. This study was designed to examine if such exposure is capable of causing hypertension in young dogs. Twelve three-month old female hounds were split into groups of six and paired with their littermate. One group received a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight of lead daily (orally); the controls received equimolar sodium acetate. Blood pressures were determined using an indirect Doppler technique.
Similar blood pressures were recorded for both groups prior to lead dosing. After nine days of lead ingestion, the mean blood pressure of the lead group had risen to 111±9.5 mm Hg (X±SEM), as compared to 88±7.5 mm Hg in their controls (P<0.05). This increase in mean blood pressure was sustained throughout the 140 day experimental period. Final values were 120±2.1 mm Hg in the lead dogs and 108±1.5 mm Hg in their paired controls (P<0.005).
Plasma renin activity was shown to be elevated at one month in the lead dogs but returned to normal at two months for the remainder of the study. An increased renin response to Lasix at 140 days was seen in the lead poisoned dogs. No differences in extracellular fluid volumes, plasma volumes, or serum aldosterones were seen. Renal function was normal at 140 days. An analysis of mean blood pressure to serum catecholamines was done, revealing a higher mean blood pressure in lead exposed dogs than controls for any level of serum catecholamines.
Recommended Citation
Vetrano, Thomas Robert, "The effect of chronic low level lead ingestion on blood pressure in young dogs" (1984). Theses. 3634.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/3634
