Effect of acute sodium nitrite intoxication on some essential biometals in mouse spleen.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Sodium nitrite (NaNO) is an inorganic salt with numerous applications in a variety of industries, as well as in medicine. Nevertheless, exposure to high levels of NaNO is toxic for animals and humans. Sodium nitrite intoxication is shown to decrease the activity of major antioxidant defence enzymes which is dependent on the maintenance of specific ion equilibrium. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of acute NaNO intoxication on the content of the essential metals iron (Fe), calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) in mouse spleen.

METHODS

Mature male ICR mice were divided into four groups and subjected to acute NaNO exposure by a single intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg body weight. Animals in each group were sacrificed at certain time interval after treatment (1 h, 5 h, 1 day and 2 days). Spleens were excised and processed for atomic absorption spectrometry analysis of Fe, Ca and Zn content.

RESULTS

At the first hour after treatment, a decrease in Fe and Ca levels was observed. One day following NaNO administration, Zn concentration reached its lowest value and Ca levels remained lower, compared to the untreated controls. In contrast, Fe concentration increased on the first and second day after treatment.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study demonstrate that acute NaNO intoxication provokes changes in the endogenous levels of Fe, Ca and Zn in mouse spleen. These findings suggest disruption of the ionic balance and impact on the activity of antioxidant defence enzymes.