Increased ALA dehydratase activity and spleen weight in lead-intoxicated rats. A consequence of increased blood cell destruction.

Lead was given in the diet (1%) to rats from birth and at different times the animals were studies for delta amino levulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, spleen weight, 59Fe incorporation in erythrocytes and 51Cr-labeled erythrocytes survival. The increased ALAD and spleen weight found after lead treatment is explained as a consequence of a shortened survival, which results in a younger age of circulating erythrocytes with higher ALAD activity.