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[Toxicity of magnetite-dextran particles: morphological study]
E E Okon1, D Pulikan, A E Pereverzev
1Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg. callpath@link.cytspb.rssi.ru
Tsitologiia
|June 13, 2000
Summary
Repeated intravenous injections of magnetite-dextran nanoparticles (MD3) in mice caused dose- and time-dependent changes in the liver and spleen. While iron levels increased, morphological alterations were minimal, suggesting a relatively safe profile for MRI contrast agents.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are widely used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Magnetite-dextran nanoparticles (MD3) are a specific type of SPION utilized for diagnostic purposes.
- Understanding the in vivo biodistribution and potential toxicity of SPIONs is crucial for clinical safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dose- and time-dependent effects of magnetite-dextran nanoparticles (MD3) on the microstructure of major organs in OFI mice.
- To assess the safety profile of MD3 following single and repeated intravenous administrations.
- To determine the morphological changes induced by MD3 in the liver, spleen, heart, kidney, and lung.
Main Methods:
- Female OFI mice received single or repeated intravenous injections of magnetite-dextran nanoparticles (MD3) with a total particle diameter of 49 nm and a magnetic core diameter of 10-15 nm.
- Histopathological examination of liver, spleen, heart, kidney, and lung tissues was performed at various time points post-administration.
- Changes in ferritin and iron levels were quantified in the examined organs.
Main Results:
- MD3 administration led to increased ferritin and iron levels in all examined organs.
- Observed morphological changes included lymphoid cell aggregates and iron-containing Kupffer cells/macrophages in the liver, and splenomegaly with vascular hemostasis in the spleen.
- Pronounced alterations were primarily noted in the liver and spleen, particularly after high single doses and repeated injections.
Conclusions:
- Magnetite-dextran nanoparticles (MD3) induce dose- and time-dependent morphological and biochemical changes in mouse organs, primarily the liver and spleen.
- Despite observed changes, the degree of morphological alterations remained relatively low, even at doses significantly exceeding diagnostic levels.
- These findings suggest that while SPIONs like MD3 have a generally low toxicity profile, their safety limits may require further refinement based on administration protocols.