Abstract
Anthropogenic activity causes the introduction of zinc compounds into the biological cycle in mining and processing sites and its accumulation in organs and tissues, causing systemic toxicity. A cumulative effect of zinc is predominantly neurotoxic and it also affects the respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems. This study evaluates the effects of single-dose intragastric administration of 100 mg/kg zinc succinate on the structure and function of organs and tissues in male Wistar rats 1 month after treatment. The presented morphofunctional approach for the toxicity evaluation included the study of behavioral responses using the automated Laboras® complex, fluorescent spectral analysis of the NADH and FAD activity and histological evaluation of animal organs and tissues. The results of the behavioral activity assessment showed a significant decrease in animals’ motor activity, whereas the fluorescence spectra analysis demonstrated a decrease in coenzyme NADH without the reduction of FAD levels. We detected toxic and dystrophic changes in the cerebral cortex, heart, lungs and liver tissues. Our original multiparametric approach enables a comprehensive assessment of the long-term toxic effects of the metal salts such as zinc succinate, especially in the cerebral cortex at the doses much lower than the acute LD50 reported for the common zinc salts.
Highlights
It is well established that the chronic exposure of mammalian organisms to zinc salts induces toxic effects in most organs and tissues, and especially in the central nervous system [1, 2]
The results of the analysis of the rats’ behavioral activity 1 month after a single 100 mg/kg zinc succinate administration demonstrate a 3 to 5-fold decrease in the duration and speed of movement, distance traveled, as well as in the total number of registered behavioral acts compared to the control group (Table 1)
A decrease in motor activity was noted in all animals from the experimental group in comparison to the controls, which clearly indicates the inhibitory effect of intragastric administration of zinc succinate at the chosen concentration on the behavioral activity in rats
Summary
It is well established that the chronic exposure of mammalian organisms to zinc salts induces toxic effects in most organs and tissues, and especially in the central nervous system [1, 2]. Excess of zinc substances may lead to dystrophic processes in the liver, pancreas and other digestive organs [5]. Industrial processes such as mining, processing and production of metal salts (e.g. zinc), contribute to their intensive release into the environment. There is evidence that chronic intoxication with zinc succinate in small doses causes an inhibition of the motor activity of animals, which is in line with the concept of the neurotoxic effect of such substances [6, 7]
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