High Levels Of Manganese Research Articles

Effects of supplementation with higher levels of manganese and magnesium on immune function

The magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn) were evaluated for its effectiveness as an immunomodulator in rats. The treatments were as follows: Group 1, AIN-93M diet (0.05% Mg, 0.001% Mn); Group 2, high-dose Mg (0.1% Mg, 0.001% Mn); and Group 3, high dose Mn (0.05% Mg, 0.01% Mn) (n-12/group). After 12 weeks of supplementation, rats were sacrificed to assess the effect on a range of innate responses (tumoricidal activity, oxidative burst and nitric oxide) and the mitogen-stimulated lymphoproliferative response. Immune function was significantly affected in both the high dose Mg and the Mn group. Lymphocyte proliferative responses and NK cell activity were measured in pooled spleen from each group. The mitogen response of lymphocytes to LPS in the spleen was significantly reduced in high dose Mg-treated groups, whereas the response to ConA was not affected in both high dose minerals-treated groups. The reactive oxygen species level of macrophages was decreased in both groups. These effects were more pronounced in high dose Mg-treated group. Nitric oxide production was also decreased in high dose minerals-treated group. In addition, tumoricidal activities of splenic NK cell and peritoneal macrophage in mineral exposed rats were significantly increased. Moreover, percent death of macrophage was reduced in two groups receiving high dose mineral supplements. Taken together, the present data suggest that high dose trace min erals exert a differential effect on the function of immune cells.

Removal of manganese from water supplies intended for human consumption: a case study

In the Volcano Etna area (Sicily) a substantial part of groundwater, used for potable purpose, has concentrations of metals (vanadium, iron and manganese) higher than the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) set by European and National regulations (European Directive 98/83 and D.Lgs. 31/2001). Specifically, high levels of manganese, up to 1810 μg/l, significantly exceeding the maximum contaminant level (MCL = 50 μg/l), were detected in groundwaters currently used as drinking water supply upwelled from the Etna Volcano aquifer. The paper presents the results of the manganese removal process by potassium permanganate oxidation followed by flocculation, settling and filtration. Batch tests were carried out varying pH, oxidant doses and polyelectrolytes. Two different filters (35 μm and 0.45 μm mesh) were tested as a final step of the treatment. Significant removal (up to 95%) was achieved by addition of polyelectrolytes at pH 8.5, with a 0.5 stoichiometric dose of oxidant and final filtration through 35 μm mesh filter.

Effect of Manganese and Iron on Growth and Feeding of Juvenile Giant River Prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De‐Man)

Abstract.— The effect of either manganese or iron on survival, growth, and feeding of giant river prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De‐Man), juveniles was studied in two separate experiments. Survival rates of M. rosenbergii juveniles (4.58 ± 0.48 g) following 60‐d exposure to 0.01 (control), 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mg/L of total manganese (Mn) were 100, 93.3 ± 3.4, 83.3 ± 4.3, and 83.3 ± 4.3%, respectively, while the same were 100, 83.3 ± 3.6, 73.3 ± 3.3, and 63.3 ± 4.7%, respectively, at the total iron levels of 0.02 (control), 0.32, 0.65, and 1.2 mg/L. Average daily growth of the prawn was significantly (P < 0.05) lower at 0.3 mg/L and higher levels of total manganese compared to control (0.01 mg/L). Average growth of the prawn exposed to 0.65 and 1.2 mg/L total iron was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in control (0.02 mg/L iron) and 0.32 mg/L treatments after 60 d of exposure. Feed utilization was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in M. rosenbergii juveniles exposed to 0.3 mg/L and higher levels of manganese. Feed utilization was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the prawns at all the iron treatments compared to control (0.02 mg/L iron). The accumulation of Fe and Mn was minimum in the muscle and maximum in the hepatopancreas of the prawns.

Ambient Manganese Exposure is Negatively Associated With Human Sperm Motility and Concentration

Occupational and experimental animal studies indicate that exposure to high levels of manganese impairs male fertility, but the effects of ambient manganese in humans are not known. We measured blood levels of manganese and selenium in 200 infertility clinic clients in a cross-sectional study. Correlations between metals and semen variables were determined, adjusting for other risk factors. Outcomes were low motility (<50% motile), low concentration (<20 million/mL), or low morphology (<4% normal). We also investigated dose-response relationships between quartiles of manganese exposure and sperm parameters. High manganese level was associated with increased risk of low sperm motility (odds ratio = 5.4; 95% confidence interval = 1.6-17.6) and low sperm concentration (2.4; 1.2-4.9). We saw a U-shaped dose-response pattern between quartiles of manganese exposure and all 3 sperm parameters. Ambient exposure to manganese levels is associated with a reduction in sperm motility and concentration. No adverse effects were seen for high selenium.

Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance microscopy of mineralization

Paramagnetic manganese (II) can be employed as a calcium surrogate to sensitize magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) to the processing of calcium during bone formation. At high doses, osteoblasts can take up sufficient quantities of manganese, resulting in marked changes in water proton T(1), T(2) and magnetization transfer ratio values compared to those for untreated cells. Accordingly, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) results confirm that the manganese content of treated cell pellets was 10-fold higher than that for untreated cell pellets. To establish that manganese is processed like calcium and deposited as bone, calvaria from the skull of embryonic chicks were grown in culture medium supplemented with 1 mM MnCl(2) and 3 mM CaCl(2). A banding pattern of high and low T(2) values, consistent with mineral deposits with high and low levels of manganese, was observed radiating from the calvarial ridge. The results of ICP-MS studies confirm that manganese-treated calvaria take up increasing amounts of manganese with time in culture. Finally, elemental mapping studies with electron probe microanalysis confirmed local variations in the manganese content of bone newly deposited on the calvarial surface. This is the first reported use of manganese-enhanced MRM to study the process whereby calcium is taken up by osteoblasts cells and deposited as bone.

Tissue Distribution of Manganese in Iron-Sufficient or Iron-Deficient Rats After Stainless Steel Welding-Fume Exposure

Welders can be exposed to high levels of manganese through welding fumes. Although it has already been suggested that excessive manganese exposure causes neurotoxicity, called manganism, the pathway of manganese transport to the brain with welding-fume exposure remains unclear. Iron is an essential metal that maintains a homeostasis in the body. The divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) transports iron and other divalent metals, such as manganese, and the depletion of iron is known to upregulate DMT1 expression. Accordingly, this study investigated the tissue distribution of manganese in iron-sufficient and iron-deficient rats after welding-fume exposure. The feeding of an iron-deficient diet for 4 wk produced a depletion of body iron, such as decreased iron levels in the serum and tissues, and upregulated the DMT1 expression in the rat duodenum. The iron-sufficient and iron-deficient rats were then exposed to welding fumes generated from manual metal arc stainless steel at a concentration of 63.5 ± 2.3 mg/m3 for 2 h per day over a 30-day period. Animals were sacrificed on days 1, 15, and 30. The level of body iron in the iron-deficient rats was restored to the control level after the welding-fume exposure. However, the tissue distributions of manganese after the welding-fume exposure showed similar patterns in both the iron-sufficient and iron-deficient groups. The concentration of manganese increased in the lungs and liver on days 15 and 30, and increased in the olfactory bulb on day 30. Slight and heterogeneous increases of manganese were observed in different brain regions. Consequently, these findings suggest that the presence of Fe in the inhaled welding fumes may not have a significant effect on the uptake of Mn into the brain. Thus, the condition of iron deficiency did not seem to have any apparent effect on the transport of Mn into the brain after the inhalation of welding fumes.

Effect of Manganese Addition on Reactive Evaporation of Chromium in Ni-Cr Alloys

Chromium is used as an alloy addition in stainless steels and nickel-chromium alloys to form protective chromium oxide scales. Chromium oxide undergoes reactive evaporation in high-temperature exposures in the presence of oxygen and/or water vapor. Deposition of gaseous chromium species onto solid oxide fuel-cell electrodes can reduce the efficiency of the fuel cell. Manganese additions to the alloy can reduce the activity of chromium in the oxide, either from solid solution replacement of chromium with manganese (at low levels of manganese) or from the formation of manganese-chromium spinels (at high levels of manganese). This reduction in chromium activity leads to a predicted reduction in chromium evaporation factors as much as 35 at 800 °C and 55 at 700 °C. Quantifying the effects of manganese additions on chromium evaporation should aid alloy development of metallic interconnects and balance-of-plant alloys.

Evidence for Cortical Dysfunction and Widespread Manganese Accumulation in the Nonhuman Primate Brain following Chronic Manganese Exposure: A 1H-MRS and MRI Study

Exposure to high levels of manganese (Mn) is known to produce a complex neurological syndrome with psychiatric disturbances, cognitive impairment, and parkinsonian features. However, the neurobiological basis of chronic low-level Mn exposure is not well defined. We now provide evidence that exposure to levels of Mn that results in blood Mn concentrations in the upper range of environmental and occupational exposures and in certain medical conditions produces widespread Mn accumulation in the nonhuman primate brain as visualized by T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Analysis of regional brain Mn distribution using a "pallidal index equivalent" indicates that this approach is not sensitive to changing levels of brain Mn measured in postmortem tissue. Evaluation of longitudinal 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy data revealed a significant decrease (p = 0.028) in the N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) ratio in the parietal cortex and a near significant decrease (p = 0.055) in frontal white matter (WM) at the end of the Mn exposure period relative to baseline. Choline/Cr or myo-Inositol/Cr ratios did not change at any time during Mn exposure. This indicates that the changes in the NAA/Cr ratio in the parietal cortex are not due to changes in Cr but in NAA levels. In summary, these findings suggest that during chronic Mn exposure a significant amount of the metal accumulates not only in the basal ganglia but also in WM and in cortical structures where it is likely to produce toxic effects. This is supported by a significantly decreased, in the parietal cortex, NAA/Cr ratio suggestive of ongoing neuronal degeneration or dysfunction.

Oral magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent based on Ilex paraguayensis herbal extract

In this article we demonstrate the potential of herbal extracts from yerba mate (Ilex paraguayensis) as an oral contrast agent for MRI. At typical drinking concentrations, yerba mate acts as a "biphasic" contrast agent with T1 weighting at short echo times and T2 weighting at echo times greater than about 40 ms. Based on data obtained from X-ray fluorescence elemental analysis, NMR relaxometry, and ESR we identify the relaxation agent in the extract as a low-molecular-weight manganese complex. Yerba mate exhibits an unusually high manganese content that is readily available for hot water extraction. Despite the high elemental manganese levels in I. paraguayensis extract, no manganese-related toxicity of yerba mate has been observed even among heavy yerba mate drinkers, indicating that the manganese in the extract has only a very low bioavailability. Imaging results on staff and patient volunteers demonstrate good contrasting of the GI tract. The relaxation studies of the contrast agent show a sensitivity to pH that is consistent with imaging results from stomach and small bowel.

Elemental Distribution in Selected Agaricus and Rhizina Mushrooms in South Africa

The levels of calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, lead, chromium and cadmium in four prevalent mushroom species in South Africa, namely two edible Agaricus bisporus species, one inedible Agaricus xanthodermus species and a poisonous type mushroom, Rezhina undulata are reported. Analytical results from the open vessel and microwave digestion approaches were compared. While higher levels of Ca and Mg were found in the edible types, the inedible and poisonous type mushrooms had relatively high levels of manganese, chromium, cadmium and lead. Agaricus xanthodermus had Ca (204), Mg (660), Fe (306), Mn (30), Cr (16.2), Pb (50.6) and Cd (29.5) mg kg−1 by dry weight, while Rhizina undulata, which grows on dead wood recorded Ca (121), Mg (517), Fe (130), Mn (30.7), Cr (32.1), Pb (49.5) and Cd (20) mg kg−1 by dry weight.

The effects of manganese on glutamate, dopamine and γ-aminobutyric acid regulation

Exposure to high levels of manganese (Mn) results in a neurological disorder, termed manganism, which shares a similar phenotype to Parkinson's disease due to the involvement of the basal ganglia circuitry in both. The initial symptoms of manganism are likely due to the involvement of the globus pallidus, a region rich in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) projections, while those of Parkinson's disease are related to the degeneration of the substantia nigra, a dopaminergic nucleus. Additionally, it is known that glutamate regulation is affected by increases in brain Mn levels. As Mn predominantly accumulates in the basal ganglia, it potentially could affect the regulation and interactions of all three neurotransmitters. This review will focus on the circuitry of these neurotransmitters within the basal ganglia and address potential sites for, as well as the temporal relationship, between Mn exposure and changes in the levels of these neurotransmitters. While most research has focused on perturbations in the dopaminergic system, there is evidence to support that early consequences of manganism also include disturbances in GABA regulation as well as glutamatergic-related excitotoxicity. Finally, we suggest that current research focus on the interdependence of these basal ganglial neurochemicals, with a greater emphasis on the GABAergic and glutamatergic systems.

LIME, GYPSUM, AND BASALTIC DUST EFFECTS ON THE CALCIUM NUTRITION AND FRUIT QUALITY OF PINEAPPLE

Pineapples grown in acid soils containing high levels of manganese (Mn) can exhibit iron deficiency because Mn interferes with iron bio-functioning. This situation is commonly corrected with regular iron sprays. Soil Mn concentration can be reduced by liming, but pineapple growers keep the soil pH below 5.0 because it helps reduce the incidence of rots caused by Phytophthora sp. This study was conducted in Hawaii on an acid soil high in Mn to evaluate the effects of calcium source (lime, gypsum, and basaltic dust, a quarry by-product), on soil pH, plant iron utilization, and plant calcium nutrition of a low-acid hybrid pineapple. The effects of calcium source and amount on fruit translucency, acidity and sugars were also examined. Without iron sprays, no calcium source prevented severe iron deficiency in this acid soil. When pineapple was sprayed with iron, all calcium sources increased calcium levels in the soil and in D-leaf and fruit tissues. Basal-white leaf calcium in the treatments ranged from 0.19 to 0.55% and all levels were at or above those considered adequate; green tissue levels ranged from 0.11 to 0.20%. There were no significant effects of treatments on plant growth, fruit weight, fruit size distribution or most indices of fruit quality. Further analysis showed that the fruit translucency index (TI) decreased as the amount of calcium applied was increased and 64% of the decrease in TI was accounted for by applied calcium. There was also a significant negative correlation between TI and extractable soil calcium, basal white and green D-leaf calcium, and fruit calcium. Lime can raise soil pH to levels that can increase the incidence of root and heart rot while gypsum and basaltic dust will supply calcium without increasing soil pH. Basaltic dust could provide calcium as well as other nutrients in organic farming. INTRODUCTION: Pineapples are well adapted to acid soils and tolerate relatively high levels of soluble aluminum and manganese. In soils containing large amounts of soluble iron and manganese, pineapple plants can absorb relatively large amounts of both elements but apparently are unable to effectively utilize absorbed iron, resulting in severe iron deficiency. Manganeseinduced iron deficiency in pineapple is corrected by regular sprays of iron, usually as iron sulphate. Soils with low pH=s also tend to have low concentrations of soil calcium and liming such soils increases soil pH, soil calcium supply, and reduces soluble levels of manganese and aluminum. However, pineapple growers are cautioned to lime carefully because the incidence of root rot problems caused by Phythopthora sp. increases as pH rises (Swete Kelly, 1993), and the problem is more severe above pH 5.5 (Frossard, 1976). Low soil calcium can induce calcium deficiency symptoms in the plant and fruit (Malezieux and Bartholomew, 2003 ), but calcium levels above those found to be sufficient for normal plant and fruit development can still provide benefits. Liming raises soil pH and

Evaluation of Curcuma as potted plants and cut flowers

SummarySixteen accessions of Curcuma germplasm that included C. alismatifolia ‘Chiang Mai Pink’, and ‘Lady Di’ and C. thorelii ‘Chiang Mai Snow’ and C. alismatifolia ‘Pink’, C. parviflora ‘White Angel’, and C. sp. ‘CMU Pride’ were evaluated for use as potted plants or as cut flowers. All cultivars of C. alismatifolia and C. thorelii ‘Chiang Mai Snow’ were considered suitable for cut-flower and pot-plant use, respectively. C. parviflora ‘White Angel’ also proved to be a suitable cultivar for potted plant production. Optimum storage temperatures for rhizomes in relation to greenhouse forcing and ethanol-soluble glucose, fructose and sucrose concentrations were determined. Storing rhizomes at 25° – 30°C for 2 – 3 months after harvest is recommended to break dormancy. Plants of C. parviflora ‘White Angel’ flowered 50 – 89 d after potting and can be used as potted plants. Plants of C. alismatifolia flowered 96 – 133 d after potting, with floral stem-lengths suitable as cut flowers. High levels of boron or manganese were correlated with burn symptoms at the margins of the leaves [‘leaf-margin burn’ (‘LMB’)] and were observed in old leaves of ‘CMU Pride’ at flowering. Levels of ethanol-soluble fructose, glucose and sucrose in the tuberous roots of Curcuma were higher than the levels in rhizomes, and increased as storage temperatures increased. Accelerated leaf emergence from rhizomes stored at 30°C took 16 d and was associated with increases in glucose and fructose contents. Very similar morphological characters between C. thorelii ‘Chiang Mai Snow’ and C. parviflora ‘White Angel’ emphasised that identification of Curcuma accessions using DNA-markers is required for future studies.

Homeostatic and toxic mechanisms regulating manganese uptake, retention, and elimination

This review attempts to summarize and clarify our basic knowledge as to the various factors that potentially influence the risks imposed from chronic exposure to high atmospheric levels of manganese (Mn). The studies describe the interrelationship of the different systems in the body that regulate Mn homeostasis by characterizing specific, biological components involved in its systemic and cellular uptake and its elimination from the body. A syndrome known as manganism occurs when individuals are exposed chronically to high levels of Mn, consisting of reduced response speed, intellectual deficits, mood changes, and compulsive behaviors in the initial stages of the disorder to more prominent and irreversible extrapyramidal dysfunction resembling Parkinson's disease upon protracted exposure. Mn intoxication is most often associated with occupations in which abnormally high atmospheric concentrations prevail, such as in welding and mining. There are three potentially important routes by which Mn in inspired air can gain access the body to: 1) direct uptake into the CNS via uptake into the olfactory or trigeminal presynaptic nerve endings located in the nasal mucosa and the subsequent retrograde axonal transport directly into the CNS; 2) transport across the pulmonary epithelial lining and its subsequent deposition into lymph or blood; and/or 3) mucocilliary elevator clearance from the lung and the subsequent ingestion of the metal in the gastrointestinal tract. Each of these processes and their overall contribution to the uptake of Mn in the body is discussed in this review as well as a description of the various mechanisms that have been proposed for the transport of Mn across the bloodbrain barrier which include both a transferrin-dependent and a transferrin-independent process that may involve store-operated Ca channels.

Exogenous manganous ion at millimolar levels rescues all known dioxygen-sensitive phenotypes of yeast lacking CuZnSOD

Yeasts lacking copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (sod1Delta) exhibit a broad range of phenotypes, many of which can be rescued by growth in the presence of high levels of ionic manganese. We undertook a comprehensive survey of the effects of manganese on wild-type and sod1Delta yeasts and found that 5 mM Mn2+ rescued all known growth-related phenotypes, such as slow growth in air, temperature sensitivity, specific amino acid auxotrophies, no growth in high oxygen, poor growth in nonfermentable carbon sources, and decreased stationary-phase survival. Iron-related phenotypes-elevated electron paramagnetic resonance detectable ("free") iron, decreased aconitase activity, and fragmenting vacuoles-as well as zinc sensitivity were also rescued. The activity of manganese superoxide dismutase remained constant or was reduced when the yeasts were grown in the presence of MnCl2, indicating that induction of this alternative superoxide dismutase is not the explanation. In contrast to MnCl2 treatment, addition of two manganese-containing superoxide dismutase mimetic compounds to the growth medium did not provide any rescue of sod1Delta yeast growth but rather had an sod1Delta-selective inhibitory effect at micromolar concentrations. Mechanisms by which ionic manganese can effect this rescue, while the mimetic compounds do not, are discussed.

Influence of tea drinking on manganese intake, manganese status and leucocyte expression of MnSOD and cytosolic aminopeptidase P

Since black tea contains high levels of manganese (Mn), we investigated the relationship between dietary Mn intake, circulating Mn levels and leucocyte expression of two Mn-dependent enzymes in tea drinkers and non-tea drinkers. We assessed Mn intakes (food frequency questionnaire), fasting whole blood and plasma Mn levels, and quantitative expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cell Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and cytosolic aminopeptidase-P (cAP-P). In total, 24 tea drinkers (> or = 1 l black tea/day) and 28 non-tea drinkers were recruited from the staff and students of King's College London by circular email. Dietary Mn intakes (mean (range)) were significantly lower (P < 0.0001) in non tea drinkers (3.2 mg/day (0.5-6.5)) than tea drinkers (5.5 mg/day (2-12) or 10 mg/day (5-20) depending upon the value used for Mn levels of black tea). Whole blood, plasma Mn levels and expression of MnSOD and cAP-P did not differ between the groups. In a continuous analysis, whole blood Mn levels and expression of MnSOD correlated inversely but no other parameters associated with each other. Tea drinking is a major source of dietary Mn and intakes commonly exceed proposed adequate intake values of 1.8-2.3 mg Mn/day and, on occasion, exceed upper limits of 10-11 mg/day. Dietary Mn intake has little influence on markers of Mn status or expression of Mn-dependent enzymes. Fasting whole blood Mn levels and leucocyte expression of MnSOD could, together, be further investigated as markers of Mn status.

(65) Evaluation of Curcuma as Potted Plant and Cut Flower

Sixteen accessions of Curcuma germplasm and several selected accessions of Curcuma were evaluated for use as potted plants or as cut flowers. Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep. and C. thorelii Gagnep. `Chiang Mai Snow' met standards for cut flower and pot plant use, respectively. Furthermore, C. parviflora Will. `White Angel' proved to be a good selection for potted plant production. Optimum storage temperatures of rhizomes were studied in relation to greenhouse forcing and carbohydrate changes. It is recommended to store rhizomes at 25 to 30 °C after harvest for 2 to 3 months to break dormancy. Plants of C. parviflora `White Angel' flowered in 50 to 89 days and C. `CMU Pride' flowered in 104 days after potting, and were acceptable as potted plants. Plants of C. alismatifolia flowered 96 to 133 days after potting with floral stem length suitable for use as a cut flower. A high level of boron or manganese may cause the burn at the margin of the leaves (marginal leaf burn) observed on old leaves of `CMU Pride' at flowering. The level of ethanol-soluble fructose, glucose, and sucrose in elongated rhizomes with emerged short shoots of Curcuma was higher than the level in rhizomes and increased as storage temperatures increased. Accelerated leaf emergence may be associated with the increase in the glucose and fructose content. Based on the similar morphological characters between C. thorelli `Chiang Mai Snow' and C. parviflora `White Angel', identification of Curcuma accessions is required in future studies.

How radiation kills cells: Survival ofDeinococcus radioduransandShewanella oneidensisunder oxidative stress

We have recently shown that Deinococcus radiodurans and other radiation resistant bacteria accumulate exceptionally high intracellular manganese and low iron levels. In comparison, the dissimilatory metal-reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis accumulates Fe but not Mn and is extremely sensitive to radiation. We have proposed that for Fe-rich, Mn-poor cells killed at radiation doses which cause very little DNA damage, cell death might be induced by the release of Fe(II) from proteins during irradiation, leading to additional cellular damage by Fe(II)-dependent oxidative stress. In contrast, Mn(II) ions concentrated in D. radiodurans might serve as antioxidants that reinforce enzymic systems which defend against oxidative stress during recovery. We extend our hypothesis here to include consideration of respiration, tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, peptide transport and metal reduction, which together with Mn(II) transport represent potential new targets to control recovery from radiation injury.

Quantification of &lt;Superscript&gt;234&lt;/Superscript&gt;&lt;Superscript&gt; &lt;/Superscript&gt;Th recovery in small volume sea water samples by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

Development of a small volume (2-4 liter) technique for measuring 234 Th in sea water has been instrumental in bringing to light small-scale structures in upper-ocean particle removal processes previously missed by standard 234 Th measurement techniques. Further development of this method to evaluate removal efficiencies of 234 Th via MnO2 precipitation quantified using ICP-MS are presented in this work. Advantages to this approach are precise knowledge of 234 Th recovery, while maintaining high sample throughput afforded by ICP-MS analyzes. The improved technique includes the acidification of 4-liter sea water samples and the addition of 230 Th as a yield monitor prior to MnO2 precipitation. Subsequent filtration and beta-counting of the high-energy daughter, 234mPa, was followed by a final background count after 6 half-lives (144 d) of decay. Filtered precipitates were dissolved with H2O2, and an internal standard of 229 Th was added. Samples were purified using anion-exchange chromatography to remove high levels of manganese, and recoveries were determined by measured ratios of 230 Th/229 Th by ICP-MS. Application of this procedure for 234 Th derived export in the recent Southern Ocean Iron Experiment showed average recoveries of 91%. Corrections for rare low recoveries (25-80%) noticeably change 234 Th profiles, thus impacting subsequent elemental flux calculations.

Pharmacokinetics of pulmonary manganese absorption: evidence for increased susceptibility to manganese loading in iron-deficient rats

High levels of airborne manganese can be neurotoxic, yet little is known about absorption of this metal via the lungs. Intestinal manganese uptake is upregulated by iron deficiency and is thought to be mediated by divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), an iron-regulated factor known to play a role in dietary iron absorption. To better characterize metal absorption from the lungs to the blood and test whether iron deficiency may modify this process, the pharmacokinetics of pulmonary manganese and iron absorption by control and iron-deficient rats were compared. Levels of DMT1 expression in the lungs were determined to explore potential changes induced by iron deficiency that might alter metal absorption. The pharmacokinetic curves for intratracheally instilled (54)Mn and (59)Fe were significantly different, suggesting that pulmonary uptake of the two metals involves different mechanisms. Intratracheally instilled iron-deficient rats had significantly higher blood (54)Mn levels, whereas blood (59)Fe levels were significantly reduced compared with controls. The same trend was observed when radioisotopes were delivered by intravenous injection, indicating that iron-deficient rats have altered blood clearance of manganese. In situ analysis revealed the presence of DMT1 transcripts in airway epithelium; however, mRNA levels did not change in iron deficiency. Although lung DMT1 levels and metal absorption did not appear to be influenced by iron deficiency, the differences in blood clearance of instilled manganese identified by this study support the idea that iron status can influence the potential toxicity of this metal.