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Bioaccumulation and locomotor effect of manganese dust in rats
A St-Pierre1, L Normandin, G Carrier
1TOXHUM (Human Toxicology Research Group) and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, PO Box 6128, Main Station, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3C 3J7.
Abstract:
The primary goal of this study is to determine the effects of Mn exposure via inhalation. The bioaccumulation of Mn in different organs and tissues, the alteration of biochemical parameters, and the locomotor activity were assessed. A group of 26 male Sprague-Dawley rats (E) were exposed to 3750 microg/m(3) of Mn dust for 6 h/day, 5 days/wk for 13 consecutive weeks and compared to a control group of 12 rats (C) exposed to 4 microg/m(3). After exposure, neurological evaluation was carried out for 36 h (a night-day-night cycle) using a computerized autotrack system. Rats were then sacrificed by exsanguination, and Mn content in organs and tissues was determined by neutron activation analysis. Mn concentrations in lung, putamen, and cerebellum were significantly higher in E than in C (0.30 vs. 0.17, 0.89 vs. 0.44, 0.63 vs. 0.48 ppm; p <.01), as well as in the kidney, frontal cortex, and globus pallidus (1.15 vs. 0.96, 0.84 vs. 0.47, 1.28 vs. 0.55 ppm; p <.05). Potassium concentration was significantly lower in E than in C (5.11 vs. 5.79 mmol/L; p <.05), as was alkaline phosphatase (106.9 vs. 129.6 U/L; p <.01). Locomotor activity indicated higher distance covered in the first 12-h period for E (45 383 vs. 36 098 cm; p <.05) and lower resting time in the last 12-h period for E (36 326 vs. 37 393 s; p <.05). This study is the first of several ongoing studies in our laboratory that address health concerns associated with inhalation exposure to different Mn species and to different levels of exposure.
Insights
Inhalation exposure to manganese (Mn) dust increased Mn bioaccumulation in rat organs, altered biochemical parameters, and affected locomotor activity. This study highlights potential neurological and physiological impacts of manganese exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element, but excessive exposure can lead to neurotoxicity.
- Inhalation is a primary route for occupational and environmental manganese exposure.
- Understanding Mn bioaccumulation and its physiological effects is crucial for assessing health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic inhalation exposure to manganese (Mn) dust in Sprague-Dawley rats.
- To assess Mn bioaccumulation in various organs and tissues.
- To evaluate alterations in biochemical parameters and locomotor activity following Mn exposure.
Main Methods:
- Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to high concentrations of Mn dust (3750 microg/m(3)) for 13 weeks, with a control group exposed to low concentrations (4 microg/m(3)).
- Neurological function was assessed using a computerized autotrack system over 36 hours.
- Mn content in organs and tissues was quantified using neutron activation analysis; biochemical parameters and locomotor activity were also measured.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher Mn concentrations were found in the lung, putamen, cerebellum, kidney, frontal cortex, and globus pallidus of exposed rats compared to controls.
- Potassium levels and alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly lower in the exposed group.
- Locomotor activity showed increased distance covered in the initial 12 hours and reduced resting time in the final 12 hours for the exposed group.
Conclusions:
- Chronic inhalation exposure to manganese dust leads to significant Mn bioaccumulation in key organs, including those in the central nervous system.
- Observed alterations in biochemical parameters and locomotor activity suggest potential neurotoxic and physiological disruptions.
- This research provides foundational data for ongoing studies on the health implications of manganese exposure.
