Data from: Perinatal lead (Pb) exposure results in sex-specific effects on food intake, fat, weight, and insulin response across the murine life-course

Developmental lead (Pb) exposure has been associated with lower body
weight in human infants and late onset obesity in mice. We determined the
association of perinatal Pb exposure in mice with changes in
obesity-related phenotypes into adulthood. Mice underwent exposure via
maternal drinking water supplemented with 0 (control), 2.1 (low), 16
(medium), or 32 (high) ppm Pb-acetate two weeks prior to mating through
lactation. Offspring were phenotyped at ages 3, 6, and 9 months for energy
expenditure, spontaneous activity, food intake, body weight, body
composition, and at age 10 months for glucose tolerance. Data analyses
were stratified by sex and adjusted for litter effects. Exposed females
and males exhibited increased energy expenditure as compared to controls
(p<0.0001 for both). In females, horizontal activity differed
significantly from controls (p = 0.02) over the life-course. Overall, food
intake increased in exposed females and males (p<0.0008 and
p<0.0001, respectively) with significant linear trends at 9 months
in females (p = 0.01) and 6 months in males (p<0.01). Body weight
was significantly increased in males at the medium and high exposures (p =
0.001 and p = 0.006). Total body fat differed among exposed females and
males (p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively). Insulin
response was significantly increased in medium exposure males
(p<0.05). Perinatal Pb exposure at blood lead levels between 4.1
µg/dL and 32 µg/dL is associated with increased food intake, body weight,
total body fat, energy expenditure, activity, and insulin response in
mice. Physiological effects of developmental Pb exposure persist and vary
according to sex and age.