Trace Metal Interactions in Lead-Exposed Children

摘要

The project consisted of five separate but interrelated studies. Study A, 'Dose-Effect Relationship between Blood Lead (PbB) and Erythrocytic Porphobilinogen Synthase (PBGS) Activity in Peripheral Blood,' was conducted on 91 children to define more precisely the blood lead threshold for the earliest evidence of inhibition of PBGS activity by lead. Study B, 'Decorporation of Lead, Zinc, Copper, and Cadmium during Calcium Disodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate (CaNa2EDTA) Treatment of Lead-Poisoned Children,' was conducted in 20 children to determine the pattern of urinary loss of these metals under the influence of CaNa2EDTA. Study C, 'Zinc Supplementation during CaNa2EDTA Therapy: Dose Run-Up Study,' was initiated to determine whether oral supplements of zinc, along with small amounts of copper, could minimize the dramatic decrease in plasma zinc that occurs with CaNa2EDTA therapy, without influencing the drug's effectiveness in reducing blood lead concentrations. Study D, 'D-Penicillamine (PCA) in Chronic Lead Intoxication,' was conducted in 30 children to evaluate the effect of the drug on Pb, Zn, and Cu in blood and urine during long-term administration. Study E included several small ancillary studies carried out to identify biological markers of the effect of CaNa2EDTA on renal function.