Comparative erythropoietic effects of three vanadium compounds

The biotoxic effects of vanadium are variable depending upon a number of factors including the oxidation state of the test compound. This study reports the effects of three vanadium compounds on peripheral erythrocytes. On day 0 female ICR mice received a single injection of vanadium chloride (V-III), vanadyl sulfate (V-IV), or sodium orthovandate (V-V). At scheduled intervals post-injection, the number of circulating erythrocytes [red blood cells per millimeter cubed (RBC/mm3)], reticulocyte percentages, and radioiron uptake percentages were determined and compared to mice receiving saline only. Data show that all three test substances promoted a significant lowering of RBC/mm3 beginning on day 1 for V-IV and V-V and on day 2 for V-III through day 4. The reticulocyte percentages increase followed the same time course as that of the peripheral RBC decrease. Peak reticulocytosis was noted on days 2 and 4 for all three vanadium-treated groups; for V-IV and V-V the increase continued to day 6. Radioiron data showed an erythropoietic stimulation by a significant increase in uptake percentages on days 4-6 after vanadium injections compared to saline-treated controls.