Transplacental passage of aluminum from pregnant mice to fetus organs after maternal transcutaneous exposure.

Aluminum is present in tap water, antiperspirants and cosmetics up to 20%. Teratogenicity of aluminium was clearly identified after per os or intravenous administration. Malformations and other alterations by aluminium intoxication were evaluated in fetus. In the present study, we investigated the possible transplacental passage of aluminium and its accumulation in the tissue after cutaneous uptake. Female Swiss mice received aluminium chloride by cutaneous way (0.4 micrograms/day) during 20 days of gestation. The samples were assayed for aluminium quantification by graphite furnace atomic absorption with Zeeman correction. This treatment led to an increase of aluminum in maternal and fetus samples (serum, amniotic fluid and organs) as compared to controls.