Characteristics to Consider when Choosing an Animal Model for the Study of Lead Bioavailability

Abstract

Most animal studies conducted to determine the bioavailability of lead have, in the past, employed rodents or lagomorphs as experimental models. In this paper issues and data are presented which raise questions and uncertainties about employing rodents or lagomorphs for investigations into the bioavailability of lead. These issues include: (1) the possible role of coprophagy and feeding behavior in reducing estimates of lead bioavailability; (2) anatomical and physiological differences related to coprophagy which may influence estimates of lead bioavailability derived in rats or rabbits; (3) evidence for relatively high biliary excretion of lead by rats and rabbits; (4) the possibility of a strong developmental component to the active transport of lead. The importance of addressing these and other questions in studies designed to determine the bioavailability of lead is discussed.