Lead acetate is a chemical compound made by treating lead(II) oxide with acetic acid. Due to its sweet taste, it was used as a sweetner before its toxicity was recognized. Today it can be found in low concentrations in some hair dyes. Lead is a heavy metal and stable element with the symbol Pb and the atomic number 82, existing in metallic, organic, and inorganic forms. It is mainly found in nature as the mineral galena (PbS), cerussite (PbCO3) or anglesite (PbSO4), usually in ore with zinc, silver, or copper. (4, 8)
Lead mimics other biologically important metals, such as zinc, calcium, and iron, competing as cofactors for many of their respective enzymatic reactions. For example, lead has been shown to competitively inhibit calcium's binding of calmodulin, interferring with neurotransmitter release. It exhibits similar competitive inhibition at the NMDA receptor and protein kinase C, which impairs brain microvascular formation and function, as well as alters the blood-brain barrier. Lead also affects the nervous system by impairing regulation of dopamine synthesis and blocking evoked release of acetylcholine. However, it's main mechanism of action occurs by inhibiting delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, an enzyme vital in the biosynthesis of heme, which is a necesssary cofactor of hemoglobin. (9, 2, 3, 7)
Metabolism
Lead is absorbed following inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure. It is then distributed mainly to the bones and red blood cells. In the blood lead may be found bound to serum albumin or the metal-binding protein metallothionein. Organic lead is metabolized by cytochrome P-450 enzymes, whereas inorganic lead forms complexes with delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase. Lead is excreted mainly in the urine and faeces. (7)
Organic lead compounds are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3). To the extent that organic lead compounds are metabolized in part to ionic lead, they are expected to exert the toxicities associated with inorganic lead (Group 2A, probably carcinogenic to humans). (6)
Uses/Sources
Lead acetate is used as a reagent to make other lead compounds and as a fixative for some dyes. It is also found in paints and varnishes, as well as in low concentrations in hair dyes. (8)
Lead is a neurotoxin and has been known to cause brain damage and reduced cognitive capacity, especially in children. Lead exposure can result in nephropathy, as well as blood disorders such as high blood pressure and anemia. Lead also exhibits reproductive toxicity and can results in miscarriages and reduced sperm production. (4)
Symptoms
Symptions of chronic lead poisoning include reduced cognitive abilities, nausea, abdominal pain, irritability, insomnia, metal taste in the mouth, excess lethargy or hyperactivity, chest pain, headache and, in extreme cases, seizures, comas, and death. There are also associated gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, poor appetite, weight loss, which are common in acute poisoning. (1, 4)
Treatment
Lead poisoning is usually treated with chelation therapy using DMSA, EDTA, or dimercaprol. (4)
