Effects of Restraint Stress on Iron, Zinc, Calcium, and Magnesium Whole Blood Levels in Mice

Abstract

Study the effects of acute and chronic restraint stress on the whole blood concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in mice. Single or repeat restraints were applied to mice to induce acute or chronic stress. The levels of elements in whole blood were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The levels of Fe, Zn, Ca, and Mg in blood in the acute-stress group were 351, 5.05, 60, and 44 microg/ml, respectively, and those in the corresponding control group were 391, 5.90, 59, and 45 microg/ml, respectively. The levels of blood Fe, Zn, Ca, and Mg in the chronic-stress group were 291, 3.62, 59, and 40 microg/ml, respectively, and those in the corresponding control group were 393, 4.82, 48, and 43 microg/ml, respectively. The levels of Fe and Zn in the blood of both the acute-stress and the chronic-stress groups were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that in the control groups. The Ca level in whole blood was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the chronic-stress group than that in the control group. Acute and chronic restraint stress can cause changes in blood levels of Fe and Zn in mice.