Trace element alterations in rat tissues induced by the hepatotoxic agent CCl4.

An acute or chronic intoxication by i.p. injection of CCl4 was used to induce liver injuries (liver necrosis, steatosis and cirrhosis) in rats. Liver, kidneys and blood serum were collected from the experimental animals and from controls. The tissues were analyzed by particle-induced X-ray emission analysis (PIXE) for up to 12 elements (i.e., K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr and Mo). The acute intoxication (leading to necrosis and steatosis) caused definite alterations of many trace element levels. The alterations were most pronounced in the liver, as expected. In this organ, Ca exhibited a strongly increased concentration. Important alterations for the elements K, Zn and Se were also observed.