Interaction of L‐Ascorbic Acid on the Disposition of Lead in Rats

Abstract

L-Ascorbic acid (As-Ac) has been investigated for its potential in the prophylaxis of lead poisoning. Using rats as the animal model, the pharmacokinetics of As-Ac was determined following a single intravenous dose (100 mg/kg) administered through a jugular vein. Plasma As-Ac levels were monitored using an enzyme assisted UV spectrophotometric method. The pharmacokinetic parameters of As-Ac obtained were used to establish a dosage regimen which could maintain its average plasma concentration of about 11 micrograms/ml at steady state in rats. The disposition of lead acetate (1 mg/kg) in rats was studied in the absence and presence of As-Ac at steady state. Lead concentrations were monitored in femur, kidney, liver and plasma over a 120 hr period using flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In presence of As-Ac, femur, kidney and liver demonstrated 56, 22 and 41% respective reductions in their exposure towards lead. In addition, the half-life of lead in femur and plasma was found to be reduced by 27 and 51% respectively.

Ascorbic Acid Supplementation Does Not Improve Efficacy of meso‐Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Treatment in Lead‐Exposed Suckling Rats

“…Beneficial effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on lead absorption and elimination have been repeatedly observed in animal experiments (Goyer & Cherian 1979;Flora & Tandon 1986;Dhawan et al 1988;Dalley et al 1989;Tan-don & Flora 1989;Vij et al 1998;Tandon & Singh 2000). Flora & Tandon (1986) reported that ascorbic acid supplementation at a daily dose of 25 mg/kg b.wt.…”

Does Vitamin C Intake Protect Against Lead Toxicity?

“…However, lead-based paint continues to be a problem in older, deteriorating housing. According to Pirkle;in 1989 approximately 22% of the U.S. population occupied houses built before 1940 when lead-based paint was commonly used.…”

Exposure to mixtures of mercury, cadmium, lead, and arsenic alters the disposition of single metals in tissues of Wistar rats

“…Group 5 was injected i.v. for 3 days with 0.6 mmol (0.25 mg) lead acetate (Pb(C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 2 ) • kg −1 • 2 ml −1 normal saline (Dalley et al 1989; Stankovic-Keser et al 1982). Group 6 was injected i.v.…”