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Updated: May 1, 2026
A Silver Nanoparticle Method for Ameliorating Biliary Atresia Syndrome in Mice
Published on: October 13, 2018
Effects of intraperitoneally injected silver nanoparticles on histological structures and blood parameters in the
Osama Mohamed M Sarhan1, Rehab M Hussein2
1Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, Fayoum University, Al Fayoum, Egypt ; Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of acute dosing with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and identify potential ultrastructural alterations in the liver and kidney and their effect on blood parameters in the albino rat.
Methods:
Twenty rats were used to assess the acute effects of AgNPs. Rats in the treatment group were injected intraperitoneally with 0.5 mL of distilled water containing AgNPs at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg body weight followed by a second injection after 48 hours. Control rats received two 0.5 mL doses of distilled water only. After 3 days, blood samples were collected, and the rat kidneys and livers were extracted and processed for electron microscopy to investigate for hematologic and histopathologic alterations.
Results:
Renal tubules showed swollen epithelium with cytoplasmic vacuolization, thickening of the basement membrane, and destruction of some mitochondrial cristae. Podocytes showed elongation and swelling of their primary and secondary processes. The basement membrane of the capillary tufts became thicker. The hepatic tissue showed narrowing of the sinusoids, swollen hepatocytes with hypertrophied nucleoli, and accumulation of fat globules in the nucleoplasm and cytoplasm. The hepatic sinusoids showed hypertrophied endothelial and Kupffer. Destructed cristae of some mitochondria, endosomes, and larger lysosomes filled with Ag-NPs were also observed in the Kupffer cells. Significant increases were observed in white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, granulocytes, and hemoglobin. There was a significant increase in serum creatinine, urea, and aspartate and alanine aminotransferases.
Conclusion:
To the best of the authors' knowledge, the ultrastructural changes in renal and liver tissue observed in this study have not been described before. Our results suggest that injection of AgNPs could have severe cytotoxic effects on the structure and function of these organs.
Insights
Acute silver nanoparticle (AgNP) exposure caused severe kidney and liver damage in rats, indicated by significant blood parameter changes and cellular ultrastructural alterations. These findings highlight the potential cytotoxic effects of AgNPs on vital organs.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Toxicology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly used, necessitating an understanding of their biological impact.
- Potential toxicity of nanomaterials requires thorough investigation, particularly concerning organ-specific effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the liver and kidneys of albino rats.
- To identify ultrastructural changes in renal and hepatic tissues following AgNP exposure.
- To assess the impact of AgNPs on blood parameters.
Main Methods:
- Albino rats received intraperitoneal injections of AgNPs (2,000 mg/kg) or distilled water (control).
- Kidneys and livers were extracted for electron microscopy examination.
- Blood samples were analyzed for hematologic and biochemical parameters.
Main Results:
- Ultrastructural damage observed in kidneys included tubular epithelial swelling, basement membrane thickening, and mitochondrial damage.
- Hepatic alterations involved swollen hepatocytes, sinusoidal narrowing, and Kupffer cell accumulation of AgNPs.
- Significant increases in white blood cells, lymphocytes, granulocytes, hemoglobin, serum creatinine, urea, and liver enzymes (AST, ALT) were noted.
Conclusions:
- The study identified novel ultrastructural changes in rat renal and liver tissues following AgNP administration.
- Results suggest that acute AgNP injection can induce severe cytotoxic effects, impacting organ structure and function.
