Subchronic toxic effects of tributyltin (TBT) and inorganic lead (PbII) in rats

This study evaluated the toxic effects of two doses of inorganic lead (PbII) and tributyltin (TBT), separately and together in different exposure times (30 and 60 days) in rats. After exposure, liver, kidney, brain and blood were sampled for histopathological, hematological and enzymatic analysis. The number of peritoneal cells and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neutrophil migration after exposure was also analyzed. The liver presented necrotic areas in all exposed individuals while hematological and enzymatic parameters showed no changes. TBT, but not PbII, reduced the number of resident peritoneal macrophages. The combination of both toxicants abolished TBT effects at lower doses and even increased the number of macrophages at higher doses. The neutrophil migration was increased by lead and lead associated with TBT. These results confirm the potential hepatotoxicity of these compounds and they may have antagonistic effects on the immune cells when administered alone. The combination of toxicants induced an increased inflammatory response suggesting that lead effects may prevail over TBT reduction on macrophage number.