Analysis of essential and non-essential trace elements in the organs of a mother-fetus pair of spotted seals (Phoca largha) from the Sea of Japan.

Abstract

Concentrations of 22 essential and non-essential trace elements (Be, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, Tl, Pb, Th, U, and Hg) were measured in the organs of a mother-fetus pair (at the last trimester of pregnancy) of spotted seals from the Sea of ​Japan. The concentrations of eleven elements are reported for the first time. Eight organs of the pair were examined: lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, spleen, muscles, and bones. All trace elements detected in the organs of the mother were found also in the organs of the fetus at various concentrations. Placenta is not an effective barrier to prevent non-essential elements from getting into the fetus, but can control entry of some of them, e.g., aluminum, cadmium, and mercury. In most organs of the fetus, the concentrations of toxic trace elements (beryllium, antimony, thorium, and uranium) were noticeably higher than in the same organs of the mother, which indicates that during pregnancy female removes excess of non-essential trace elements by transferring them to the fetal body through the placental barrier.