Cadmium, Lead, Thallium: Occurrence, Neurotoxicity and Histopathological Changes of the Nervous System

Abstract

Metals, particularly heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and thallium between others, constitute significant potential threats to human health in both occupational and environmental settings. Metals toxicity most commonly involves the kidney, liver and mainly nervous system. Neurons in general have a high metabolic rate, which makes them more susceptible to different heavy metals producing changes in neuronal function may lead to secondary alterations in neuronal anatomy. Neuropathology is frequently used to evaluate the effects of toxic agents on nervous system organization and cellular components; thus, careful histologic evaluations increase our knowledge of the neurotoxicity of heavy metals. Structural changes can often be correlated with altered neurochemistry, behavior, and electrophysiologic function. PU - SPRINGER PI - DORDRECHT PA - PO BOX 17, 3300 AA DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS