Accumulation of heavy metals in rats’ body under chronic combined intoxication with zinc, copper and arsenic salts

Abstract

The article indicates the results of a research made on the accumulation of heavy metals in some internal organs of rats under chronic combined poisoning with heavy metals salts (zinc, copper and arsenic). The experiments were carried out on 40 white outbred pubescent rats. They were divided into four groups. Heavy metals that can accumulate in the body of animals and humans, can lead to the internal organs dysfunction and organ systems disruption. Some heavy metals are able to selectively accumulate in a living organism. Therefore, the study was conducted of certain organs on the degree of accumulation of heavy metals. Salt solutions such as copper sulphate, zinc sulphate and sodium arsenite, which were injected intragastrically for three months on a daily basis, were used as toxicants. Sampling of organs was carried out after three months counting from the beginning of the experiment. The content of zinc, copper and arsenic was found in the brain, liver and kidney of a rat. The results of our studies showed that accumulation of heavy metals occurs to a greater extent in the liver of rats, and the group of copper and arsenic combined action showed the greatest toxicity in the degree of accumulation.