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Distribution of silver nanoparticles in pregnant mice and developing embryos
Carlye A Austin1, Thomas H Umbreit, Ken M Brown
1Department of Biological Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Nanotoxicology
|October 26, 2011
Summary
Silver nanoparticles (NPs) injected into pregnant mice distributed widely to maternal organs and extra-embryonic tissues. However, significant accumulation in developing embryos was not observed in this study.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Nanotechnology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly used in consumer products.
- Understanding their distribution and potential effects during pregnancy is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of intravenously administered silver NPs in pregnant mice and their embryos.
- To quantify silver accumulation in maternal tissues and developing embryos.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant CD-1 mice were injected with silver NPs (50 nm) on gestation days 7-9.
- Tissue samples were collected on gestation day 10 for silver content analysis.
- Silver distribution was assessed using quantitative analysis and identification of NPs in cellular vesicles.
Main Results:
- Silver NPs significantly increased silver content in most maternal organs, including liver, spleen, lung, and injection site (tail).
- Elevated silver accumulation was observed in the visceral yolk sac and endometrium.
- Silver NPs were identified within endodermal cells of the visceral yolk sac.
- No significant silver accumulation was detected in the embryos themselves.
Conclusions:
- Silver NPs exhibit widespread distribution throughout maternal systems and extra-embryonic tissues following intravenous administration.
- While silver NPs reach embryonic compartments, significant accumulation within the developing embryo appears limited.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term developmental impacts of prenatal silver NP exposure.
