Anemia of lead intoxication: a role for copper.

Lead-induced anemia in rats, which is of a microcytic, hypochromic type, has been shown to be a result of an interference with the metabolism of copper and iron. In this complex interaction, copper may be the target upon which ingested lead has its antagonistic effect on hematopoiesis. The depressions in hematocrit and hemoglobin levels resulting from exposure to lead may occur secondarily to the effects of a lead-induced copper deficiency on iron mobilization and utilization. The metabolic fault induced by lead is seen in a reduction of serum iron, elevation of serum iron binding capacity, and increase in liver iron, all manifestations of systemic effects related to an interference with copper metabolism. These results relate many of the characteristics of the lead-induced anemia to those found in the copper-deficiency anemia.