The effects of aluminum loading on selected tissue calcium and magnesium concentrations in rats

Abstract

Considerable evidence implicates elevated brain aluminum (Al) concentration in the pathogenesis of several forms of central nervous system dysfunction seen particularly among dialysis patients. In animals Al intoxication also leads to cerebral dysfunction. Since increased brain calcium (Ca) concentration has been associated with similar disturbances of cerebral function, this study was initiated to examine the effects of increased Al concentration on Ca and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in brain and other selected tissues. Daily intraperitoneal injection of Al (2.7 mg) for 10 d resulted in a significant increase in brain, liver, spleen, bone, and heart Al concentrations when compared to controls receiving saline injection. In brain, liver, and spleen, but not heart, Ca concentration was significantly higher in Al-treated rats than controls. In brain there was a significant correlation between Ca and Al concentration. Total plasma Ca concentration was not significantly different between the groups. Al loading had no significant effect on tissue Mg concentration. These results indicate that Al affects selected tissue Ca concentrations which ultimately may be involved in Al organ toxicity.