Effects of lead(II) nitrate and a dithiocarbamate fungicide on the rat lung

The pulmonary toxicity of two potential environmental pollutants was studie d in rats 1, 7 and 30 days after a single intratracheal instillation of lea d nitrate and Dithane M-45 (mancoceb), either individually or in various co mbinations. The cell count, protein, phospholipids and lactate dehydrogenas e level were determined in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, as were the pr otein, phospholipids and acid phosphatase contents in the lung tissue. Lead nitrate and Dithane M-45 induced acute inflammation reactions with differe nt features, The effects of mixtures of lead nitrate and Dithane M-45 were found to be different from those of the individual components. Copyright (C ) 1999 John Whey & Sons, Ltd.