Abstract

Background: Metals long-term exposure can lead to significant problems. Environmental exposure to lead is very prevalent and it causes a wide range of health hazards. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of lead acetate exposure on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adult male Wistar rats. Methods: The aqueous lead acetate at dose of 2ml/kg body weight was administrated for 21 days. 20 male adult Wistar rats weighing between 180-200gm were distributed into two groups, (control and lead treated). Control group received normal food and water; treated group received 2ml/kg body weight of lead Results: Oral administration of aqueous lead acetate at the dose of 2ml/kg body weights decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure though not significant (p>0.05) Conclusions: The result of the present study showed that low-level exposure to lead acetate might not affect systolic and diastolic blood pressure due to duration of exposure which might imply that individuals should minimize their continuous exposure to lead acetate as this can contribute to onset of hypertension and to avoid chronic effect of lead on body system generally.

Keywords: Lead Acetate, Systolic Blood Pressure, and Diastolic Blood Pressure.