Selenium concentrations in human renal cortex, liver, and hair in northern Poland.

The aim of this study was to (1) determine the selenium concentration in the renal cortex, liver, and hair in 64 residents from northern Poland (Gdansk region) aged 17-81 yr, who died suddenly, and (2) assess whether a correlation between the selenium concentration in hair and in the renal cortex and liver occurs. Selenium was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry using the hydride generation method. The mean selenium concentration in the renal cortex, liver, and hair in the investigated persons was 0.791+/-0.191 microg/g (wet weight), 0.289+/-0.084 microg/g (wet weight), and 0.443+/-0.128 microg/g, respectively. No age-dependent differences in selenium level in the investigated tissues was found. Also, no correlation between the selenium concentrations in hair and in renal cortex and liver was assessed.

Selenium levels in human plasma and hair in northern Poland.

The aim of this study was to (1) estimate the concentration of selenium in the plasma of 146 residents (65 men and 81 women) and in the hair of 34 persons from the Gdansk region in northern Poland, aged 19-70 and (2) compare the obtained results with data corresponding to healthy populations living in different European countries. Selenium in plasma was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry using the hydride generation method. The mean selenium concentration in plasma of the investigated persons was 73.3 +/- 14.1 microg/L, 76.7 +/- 13.2 microg/L in men, and 70.4 +/- 14.7 microg/L in women. No age - dependent differences in plasma selenium were found in the investigated population. In 20% of the investigated persons, the selenium level in plasma was lower than 60 microg/L. The mean selenium concentration in hair was 0.30 +/- 0.11 microg/g. A positive, statistically significant correlation between selenium concentrations in the plasma and hair of the investigated persons was found. The obtained results indicate that the selenium level in significant part of this population is suboptimal and should be elevated by supplementation with this element.

Total mercury in human renal cortex, liver, cerebellum and hair.

The aim of this study was: (a) to estimate the concentration of total mercury in the renal cortex, liver, cerebellum and hair of 46 persons who died suddenly in the Gdansk region, northern Poland, between the ages of 17 and 90; and (b) to assess whether a correlation occurs between mercury content in the investigated biological media. The mean concentrations of mercury in the human hair, renal cortex, liver and cerebellum were: 378 +/- 315.4 ng/g; 68.6 +/- 92.3 ng/g; 29.9 +/- 22 ng/g and 5.3 +/- 6.9 ng/g respectively. Positive correlations were found between mercury levels in: cerebellum and liver (r = 0.873), cerebellum and hair (r = 0.853), cerebellum and renal cortex (r = 0.578), hair and liver (r = 0.771), hair and renal cortex (r = 0.478) liver and renal cortex (r = 0.66). The geometric mean levels of mercury in the renal cortex, liver, cerebellum and hair in the residents of the Gdansk region are 15-19 times lower than in the population of Tokyo and its environs [Suzuki T, Hongo T, Yoshinaga J et al. The hair-organ relationship in mercury concentration in contemporary Japanese. Arch Environ Health 1993;44:361-365].

Cadmium content in human kidney and hair in the Gdansk region.

Concentrations of cadmium were determined in the renal cortex and hair of 67 persons who died between 1996 and 1997 in the Gdansk region of Poland. The mean concentrations in the renal cortex and the hair were: 39.8 +/- 21.45 micrograms/g and 0.35 +/- 0.33 microgram/g, respectively. The mean age of the population studied was 47.6 +/- 15.8 years. The concentration of cadmium in the renal cortex was age-dependent. In the age groups: 18-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 and 61-90 it amounted to: 19.1 +/- 11.0 micrograms/g, 43.3 +/- 21.6 micrograms/g, 47.9 +/- 20.8 micrograms/g, 41.5 +/- 20.4 micrograms/g and 33.6 +/- 18.0 micrograms/g, respectively. No correlation between the cadmium contents in the renal cortex and hair has been established. Hair is not a good indicator of exposure to cadmium.

Lead and fluoride content in human bone and hair in the Gdansk region.

The post-mortem lead and fluoride content in the rib bone and hair of 59 persons from the Gdansk region was determined. Fluoride was estimated potentiometrically using a fluoride-specific electrode. Lead was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean lead concentration in bone was 3.0 micrograms/g and 5.2 micrograms/g in hair. The mean fluoride concentrations were 625.7 micrograms/g and 1.4 micrograms/g in bone and hair, respectively. A positive correlation between the lead content in bone and hair was found in this study (r = 0.308, P < 0.05), no such correlation was observed between the fluoride content in bone and hair. A positive correlation between the fluoride and lead contents in bones and the age of the investigated persons was found. The results obtained correspond well with the comparably moderate exposure to lead and fluoride in the Gdansk region.

Lead levels in bone and hair of rats treated with lead acetate.

The use of hair and bone as media in evaluation of lead exposure was investigated in this study. For 12-16 wk rats were given tap water containing lead acetate in the following concentrations: 41.7 mg Pb/L, 83.3 mg Pb/L, and 166.6 mg Pb/L. The animals were sacrificed every 4 wk and their tibia bones and hair were collected for determination of lead content. In control animals, the lead level amounted to 1.2 micrograms/g (range 0.8-1.3 micrograms/g) and 0.7 microgram/g (range 0.4-2.0 micrograms/g) in bone and hair, respectively. In the treated rats the accumulation of lead in bone and hair occurred in a dose-dependent manner. A positive correlation (r = 0.876) was established between the lead levels in bone and hair of the rats. The regression equation was as follows: microgram Pb/g bone = 0.842 x microgram Pb/g hair + 1.868. After discontinuation of exposure, a significant decrease in the lead content in bone and hair was noticed. About 9 wk after cessation of treatment, the lead content in hair declined to the pre-exposure level, but 64% of the maximal lead concentration did remain in bone. The results of this study indicate that during a continuous exposure the lead level in hair reflects its content in bone. Such phenomena did not occur during the post-exposure period.

Do sodium nitroprusside and L-NAME affect pyrogen fever in rabbits?

Thermoregulatory responses after treatment with nitric oxide (NO) donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP-3 mg/kg/h), or NO synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME-100 mg/kg) were investigated in febrile rabbits (lipopolysaccharide E. coli-1 meg/kg). Pretreatment with SNP attenuated pyrogen fever as well as metabolic rate. L-NAME also inhibited postpyrogen increases in metabolism; however, this effect did not lead to antipyresis.

Thermoregulatory activity of sodium nitroprusside and arginine vasopressin.

1. Thermal responses to sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 3 mg/kg/hr) and arginine vasopressin (AVP, 3 micrograms/kg) were investigated in normothermic and febrile rabbits (LPS, 1 microgram/kg) at ambient temperature of 20.0 +/- 1.0 degrees C. Furthermore, blood pressure after these drugs was tested on a separate group of animals. 2. I.v. infusion of SNP produced hypothermia and attenuated pyrogen fever. On the other hand, AVP increased body temperature and intensified the febrile response. 3. Both drugs affected in an opposite way blood pressure, i.e. SNP produced falls and AVP increases in this parameter. 4. The relationship between the activity of the vascular and thermoregulatory systems in normothermic or febrile state is discussed.

Mercury concentrations in hair exposed in vitro to mercury vapor.

Hair is often used as an index of environmental and industrial exposure to different metals. The interpretation of metal levels in hair is difficult because of the risk of external contamination. The aim of this study was to define the degree of external contamination of hair exposed in vitro to mercury vapor. Specimens of hair were exposed to concentration: 0.026, 0.21, and 2.7 mg Hg/m3 for 2-28 d. Mercury levels in hair increased during 28 d of exposure 2, 3 and 13, times, respectively, when compared to initial values. Mercury levels in hair exposed to the first and second (but not third) concentration of mercury vapor attained a steady state on the 21st d of exposure. The contamination of hair with mercury could not be removed by washing with water, solvent, and detergent. Hair may be used as an index of internal uptake of mercury provided that it was not externally exposed to mercury vapor. In cases of occupational exposure to mercury vapor, hair could become a useful tool for monitoring exposures.

Hypotensive drugs, sodium nitroprusside and prazosin inhibit the metabolic rate in rabbits.

1. Thermoregulatory responses (metabolic rate, rectal and ear skin temperatures, respiratory rate) were measured after treatment with two antihypertensive drugs, i.e. when sodium nitroprusside (6 mg/kg/2 hr) or prazosin (0.75 mg/kg/3 hr) were applied to normothermic or febrile rabbits under thermoneutral conditions (19 +/- 1 degree C). 2. Both drugs significantly decreased blood pressure and metabolic rate. 3. These changes were accompanied by antipyresis. 4. In the case of normothermic rabbits only sodium nitroprusside produced prominent falls in body temperature. 5. The relationship between changes in blood pressure and the intensity of metabolic rate is discussed.

Changes in pre- or postsynaptic adrenergic mechanisms modify the thermoregulatory responses produced by pyrogen in rabbits.

1. Thermoregulatory responses to BHT 920, prazosin (PRA) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) were investigated in pyrogen (lipopolysaccharide Escherichia coli, LPS) treated rabbits. 2. All the compounds in question, despite their different selectivity for pre- or postsynaptic adrenergic structures, significantly reduced pyrogen fever. Antipyresis was associated with inhibition of the metabolic rate. 3. The role of adrenergic mechanisms in fever, with particular respect to those of postsynaptic alpha-2, is discussed.

A comparative study on the effect of verapamil and prazosin on the thermoregulatory responses induced by cold or exogenous noradrenaline.

1. Thermoregulatory responses to verapamil (VER; 5 mg/kg/hr) and prazosin (PRA; 0.75 mg/kg/3 hr) were investigated in rabbits exposed to cold (4 degrees C) and compared with those observed after treatment with noradrenaline (NA; 1.2 mg/kg/2 hr) under thermoneutral conditions (21 degrees C). 2. Both drugs abolished the thermogenic response to cold. 3. In the case of NA hyperthermia, only PRA was effective, i.e. the drug inhibited the thermal, metabolic and vasoconstricting actions of this amine. 4. Possible mechanisms, responsible for the thermoregulatory activity of both drugs are being discussed.

The effect of verapamil on the thermoregulatory responses produced by endotoxin or noradrenaline in rabbits.

1. Thermal responses to verapamil (5 mg/kg per hr) were investigated in pyrogen (lipopolysaccharide Escherichia coli) or noradrenaline (NA) treated rabbits. 2. The compound reduced the pyretic, metabolic and vasoconstricting activity of pyrogen. 3. On the other hand, verapamil did not significantly affect NA-induced hyperthermia. 4. Possible mechanisms responsible for the thermoregulatory activity of verapamil are discussed.

The activity of several enzymes in the urine and blood of animals in experimental poisoning with sublimate. Part. II. Chronic poisoning.

Fourteen guinea pigs were injected with sublimate during the period of 3 months. Their urine and blood was examined. In the urine an increase of activity of alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase was noted. In the blood plasma an increase of lactate dehydrogenase activity was observed and in the blood serum decrease of gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase activity. The determination of alkaline phosphatase in urine is a sensitive indicator of renal damage caused by mercury. It has a greater diagnostic value than the determination of this enzyme in the blood serum.

The pharmacologic activity of complexes and mixtures with copper and salicylates or aminopyrine following oral dosing in rats.

Cu(II) complexes with salicylates or aminopyrine were administered to rats with local inflammation (acute paw oedema elicited with carrageenan) to determine their anti-inflammatory activity and ulcerogenic effects following oral administration. The complexes were more effective than the parent ligands or appropriate mixtures of these ligands with Cu(II) as anti-inflammatory agents. All complexes indicated low ulcerogenity. The differences in pharmacologic activity between the complexes and mixtures in question are discussed.

Investigations into the effect on rats of volatile organic compounds released from the set of building and finishing materials.

White, male Wistar rats were exposed continuously in chamber during 3 months on volatile organic compounds emitted from set of building and finishing materials used in living areas on ship. The air contamination was checked. The following tests for determination of combined toxic effects were performed: functional activity, the body and organ weights, basic hematological determinations, serum enzyme activity (GOT, GPT, AP, LAP, LDH), serum concentrations of protein, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, and in the liver mitochondria Mg+2(-)-ATPase, concentration of cholesterol, phospholipids, and liver function after loading with benzoate. After 3 months of the exposure we observed changes in AP and LDH activities, and decrease of the concentration of serum triglycerides.

Antipyretic activity of copper salicylate.

Thermal responses to copper II salicylate (200 mg/kg iv) were investigated in febrile rabbits (treated with E. coli lipopolysaccharide) at 3 ambient temperatures (Ta) of 5, 20, 28 degrees C. The compound produced antipyresis, which unlike that induced by sodium salicylate (200 mg/kg iv), increased with the drop of Ta. This antipyretic activity was accompanied by enhanced heat elimination which became most evident in thermoneutral conditions. The metabolic rate was intensified after treatment with both compounds. Possible mechanisms responsible for copper salicylate antipyresis are discussed.

The behaviour of activity of selected enzymes in urine and in serum in experimental intoxication of animals with sublimate (mercury chloride). Part I. Acute intoxication.

In the work the behaviour of activity of selected enzymes in urine and in serum of experimental animals, which were intoxicated in an acute way, is presented. In the investigations there was observed the increase of activity of alkaline phosphatase in urine, simultaneous with its decrease in serum, the increase of GGTP in urine and shift in the composition of LDH isoenzymes in direction of slow migrating fractions.

The acid-base balance during the time course of endotoxin fever and sodium salicylate antipyresis in the rabbit.

Blood acid-base balance in sodium salicylate antipyresis was investigated in adult rabbits at ambient temperature of 21.5 +/- 0.5 degrees C. The experimental fever elicited by iv injection of lipopolysaccharide Escherichia coli 1 microgram/kg/ was accompanied by a slight metabolic acidosis. A decrease in pH by 0.09 and HCO3- by 4.8 mEq/1 was noticed during the rising phase of pyrogen fever. There were no concomitant changes in blood PCO2 during that period of time. Although the concentrations of HCO3- were decreasing till the end of the experiment, the parallel falls in PCO2 led to a partial compensation of the noticed acidosis. Pretreatment with 200 mg/kg of sodium salicylate /an hour's iv infusion/reduced the febrile response by 42% and completely reversed the postpyrogen changes in pH and HCO3-. The falls in PCO2 during antipyresis, however, were similar to those observed in febrile rabbits. Possible mechanisms by which sodium salicylate could affect the pyrogen-induced disturbances of acid-base balance are being considered.