Lead -Pb- is one of the most abundant toxic metals in the environment that can cause a variety of harmful effects. During embryonic development of vertebrates, somites are temporary organs that give rise to skeletal muscle, cartilage, tendon, endothelial cells, and dermis. In this study, we investigated the effects of lead on the development of somites and their derivatives in chick embryo under in vitro conditions. For this propose, the fertilized eggs of Gallus gallus domesticus were incubated until they reached the stage of 15-20 somites. The somites and notochord were isolated and treated with different concentrations of lead acetate -500, 1000, 2000, 4000 ng/ml- for 72 hrs. Our results indicated that high concentrations of lead reduced nucleus diameter, reduced the synthesis of collagen, inhibited the formation of the cartilage matrix in somite cells, and disturbed the formation and order of myotubes. In conclusion, the results of the current study for the first time indicated the disturbing effects of lead on the development of somites in the chick embryo. Our results revealed that lead disturbed the development of somites in the chick embryo, which suggested at high concentrations it can cause a serious mortal danger to life.

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