Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2025
Accumulation and Distribution of Fluorescent Microplastics in the Early Life Stages of Zebrafish
Published on: July 4, 2021
Distribution and toxicity of submicron plastic particles in mice
Tsung-Yen Tsou1, Sheng-Han Lee1, Tzu-Hsuan Kuo1
1Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Although microplastics (MPs) have become a global issue, the biodistribution and toxicities of MPs were still unclear. In this study, c57BL/6 mice were treated with submicron-sized MPs labeled with Nile red fluorescence by oral gavage three times a week for four consecutive weeks. Flow cytometry and microscopy technique were used to examine the concentration and distribution of MPs in various tissues and biofluids. The oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Submicron-sized MP signals were found in the intestines, liver, spleen, kidney, lungs, blood, and urine of mice after MP exposure. Increased oxidative stress in mouse urine and elevated inflammatory cytokines in mouse kidney were also recorded. In conclusion, flow cytometry is a useful tool for examining the number concentrations of MPs. Increased oxidative stress and inflammation after MP treatment indicates that the toxicity of MP warrants further investigation.
Insights
Submicron-sized microplastics (MPs) were detected in various mouse tissues and biofluids after oral exposure. MP ingestion led to increased oxidative stress and inflammation, highlighting potential health risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are a pervasive global pollutant.
- The biodistribution and toxicological effects of MPs remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biodistribution of submicron-sized MPs in mice.
- To assess the oxidative stress and inflammatory responses following MP exposure.
Main Methods:
- Submicron-sized MPs labeled with Nile red fluorescence were administered orally to c57BL/6 mice for four weeks.
- Flow cytometry, microscopy, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and ELISA were employed to analyze MP distribution and biological effects.
Main Results:
- MP signals were detected in the intestines, liver, spleen, kidney, lungs, blood, and urine.
- Increased oxidative stress was observed in mouse urine.
- Elevated inflammatory cytokines were found in mouse kidneys.
Conclusions:
- Flow cytometry is effective for quantifying MP concentrations in biological samples.
- MP exposure induces oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting potential toxicity that requires further research.
