The effect of Parachlorella beyerinckii CK-5, previously identified as Chlorella vulgaris, on gastrointestinal absorption of lead was investigated in mice. Female ICR mice aged 7 weeks were orally administered lead acetate solution at doses of 20 mg and 40 mg of lead per mouse, with or without 100 mg of P. beyerinckii powder (BP). The mice were bred for 24 hours. The amount of lead excreted in feces within 24 hours, and the lead levels of the blood, liver and kidney were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The percentage of total fecal excretion in mice administered BP increased by 27.7% in 20 mg lead administered mice and 17.2% in 40 mg lead administered mice in comparison to control mice, respectively. On the other hand, the lead levels of the blood, liver and kidney of BPadminis...