Effects of subchronic desferrioxamine infusion on aluminum toxicity in rabbits

The effects of subchronic desferrioxamine (DFO) infusion on aluminum (A1) loaded rabbits were studied. Rabbits received sc injections of A1 lactate (600 mumoles A1/kg) or Na lactate (1800 mumoles/kg) 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Beginning 2 weeks later rabbits received DFO by sc infusion at a rate of 3.85 mg/hour for 4 weeks (total dose = 2550 mg), or sham treatment. The treatment groups were: control, DFO-only, A1-only, and A1+DFO. A1-induced reductions in food consumption and efficiency of food utilization were not affected by DFO. A1-induced decreases in water consumption were enhanced by DFO. A1 levels were reduced in 10 of 12 organs and brain regions of A1+DFO vs. A1-only groups, but results were statistically significant in only 2 tissues. Subchronic DFO infusion appears to be beneficial in A1-loaded subjects but not without potential for further toxicity.