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Ferrokinetics and erythropoiesis in mice after long-term inhalation of benzene
J Vácha1, V Znojil, H J Seidel
1Institute of Biophysics, Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, Brno.
Abstract:
Ferrokinetics and erythropoiesis were examined in mice exposed for 6 or 7 weeks to an airborne concentration of 300 ppm of benzene, for 6 h per day, and 5 days per week. Ferrokinetic indicators showed only a slightly enhanced production of haeme and erythrocytes in the spleen (133% +/- 18% and 122% +/- 17%, respectively). Production did not change in the femoral marrow; a decline of CFU-C, BFU-E and especially CFU-E (34% +/- 8%) took place there and a shift of cellularity into less mature developmental classes in the erythroblast compartment, without this compartment as a whole being damaged. The erythrocytes produced have an enhanced MCV (109% +/- 0%) and MCH (109% +/- 1%) with an unchanged MCHC; their concentration in blood sank to 87% +/- 1%. The absolute reticulocyte count rose to 160% +/- 16%. 59Fe incorporation into the liver declined far below the level attributable to decreased accessibility of the tracer (84% +/- 4%). A shortening of the life span of late erythroblasts and circulating erythrocytes was deduced from these findings and methodological problems related to some of the seemingly controversial findings are discussed.
Insights
Benzene exposure in mice affected red blood cell production, leading to changes in spleen and bone marrow activity. This resulted in altered erythrocyte characteristics and a shortened lifespan for certain blood cells.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Hematology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Benzene is a known hematotoxicant.
- Understanding benzene's impact on erythropoiesis is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of subchronic benzene exposure on ferrokinetics and erythropoiesis in mice.
- To characterize changes in red blood cell production and parameters.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to 300 ppm benzene for 6-7 weeks.
- Ferrokinetic studies and hematological parameters were analyzed.
- Cellularity in bone marrow and spleen was assessed.
Main Results:
- Slightly enhanced haeme and erythrocyte production in the spleen.
- Decreased colony-forming units (CFU-C, BFU-E, CFU-E) in femoral marrow.
- Erythrocytes showed increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH).
- Reduced erythrocyte concentration in blood and increased reticulocyte count.
- Decreased 59Fe incorporation into the liver.
- Evidence of shortened lifespan for late erythroblasts and circulating erythrocytes.
Conclusions:
- Subchronic benzene exposure induces complex alterations in erythropoiesis.
- Benzene exposure impacts both red blood cell production and survival.
- Findings suggest potential mechanisms for benzene-induced hematotoxicity.