Experimental lead paint poisoning in nonhuman primates. II. Clinical pathologic findings and behavioral effects.

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 microgram/dl were associated with a moribund termination while monkeys which had levels under 100 microgram/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.