Lead exposure can primarily affect which type of red blood cells?

Lead exposure primarily affects erythrocytes, or red blood cells, because lead interferes with hemoglobin synthesis. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. When lead enters the bloodstream, it disrupts several enzymatic processes necessary for hemoglobin production, leading to a condition known as lead anemia. This condition is characterized by a reduced number of functional erythrocytes, which impairs the overall oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

In contrast, leukocytes—white blood cells—are primarily involved in the immune response, and although lead exposure can have some impact on immune function, it does not primarily target these cells. Thrombocytes, or platelets, play a crucial role in blood clotting but are also not directly affected by lead in the same manner as erythrocytes. Myocytes, which are muscle cells, do not relate directly to the effects of lead on blood formation or function. Thus, the specific interaction of lead with the processes governing red blood cell production underscores why erythrocytes are primarily affected by lead exposure.