In this study, embryonic chicken sensitivity to immunotoxicity following lead exposure is compared with the sensitivity of adults. Nonlethal doses of lead were given to chickens at various levels of embryonic development ranging from 5 to 40 ug of lead/egg. It is hypothesized that at earlier days of incubation (5 and 7 days) will produce more lead sensitivity than later days (9 and 12 days) Analysis of both blood and bone were determined for lead levels using a myriad of measurement techniques such as delayed-type hypersensitivity against BSA as well as exploring the macrophage production of nitric oxide as a means to see lead toxicity. There were no physiological effects that followed exposure (no change in weight, organ weight) but still showed slight alteration in immune function. Although there were some changes seen, the conclusions drawn from this study were that lead poisoning at various stage of embryonic development results in different immunotoxic responses with no general trend that favors one development stage over another.
Lee, J., Chen, S., Golemboski, K.A., Parsons, P.J., Dietert, R.R. (2001) Developmental Windows of Differential Lead-induced Immunotoxicity in Chickens. Toxicology. 156(2):161-170.
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