Oral administration of lead-containing paint to rhesus monkeys induced anemia,
more profound in older primates. Erythrocytes were microcytic and hypochromic, but
tended to become macrocytic terminally. Stippled erythrocytes were increased in all poisoned
monkeys, especially in those with high blood lead levels and anemia. Proteinuria, glycosuria,
casts and sloughed tubular cells containing acid-fast inclusion bodies were found on
urinalysis. Terminal elevations of blood urea nitrogen were associated with profound anemia
and renal tubular damage. Repeated blood lead values over 200 μg/dl were associated with a
moribund termination while monkeys which had levels under 100 μg/dl remained apparently
healthy. Behavioral studies in a small number of subclinically poisoned juveniles and
neonates failed to reveal deficiencies of visual acuity or cognitive ability, nor was there evidence
of alterations in levels of activity.
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