Chromosome distribution studies after inorganic lead exposure.

We studied the chromosome distribution in persons professionally exposed to inorganic lead. The degree of lead exposure was evaluated by biochemical measurements and cytogenetic analysis. The chromosome distribution was analyzed from trypsin banded karyotypes; in particular we studied centromere distances (delta2) and centromere-metaphase-center distances (d2) which were obtained by computer-aided mathematical transformation of the individual metaphase coordinates. Higher concentrations of blood lead and urine delta-ALA and a statistically significant increase in aneuploidy, hypoploidy, and type-B chromosome aberrations revealed appreciable exposure although none of the subjects showed signs of excessive lead absorption. However study of the chromosome distribution showed no major differences with that of the controls indicating that lead acts preferentially (directly or indirectly) on the chromosomes rather than on the spindle apparatus. A dissociation of the acrocentric chromosomes was observed in the lead group when compared with the controls. This is thought to reflect a secondary action of lead on the nucleolar organiser regions.