Abstract Objective To study the toxic effect of lead
acetate on biosynthesis of corticosteroid and the morphological changes of the adrenocortical
cells. Methods A subacute lead poisoning model of male guinea pigs was established with
lead acetate (30 mg/kg) intoxication. The levels of cortisol, aldosterone and ACTH were
determined by RIA, cholesterol by chemical colorimetry, and lead level in blood and tissue by
ASS. The nitric oxide level was also measured. Results The lead levels in blood and adrenal
cortex were shown to have a significant lead burden in the body. The level of aldosterone in
blood plasma was shown to have an increasing tendency, while the concentration of cortisol
and ACTH decreased. The level of serum cholesterol, the precursor of corticosteriod
biosynthesis, was dramatically declined. The morphological changes under the light and
electronic microscopy examination indicated that there were injuries in mitochondria and
endoplasmic of adrenocortical cells. Conclusion Lead acetate might exert a specific toxic effect
on the adrenocortical cells and interfere with glucocorticoids biosynthesis although it might
induce a stress response in the body simultaneously. Furthermore, a significant declined nitric
oxide level in the tissue suggested that it might play a role in the lead induced adrenal toxicity.
lead acetate, adrenal hormone, nitric oxide