Tissue distribution and urinary excretion of essential elements in rats orally exposed to aluminum chloride

The purpose of this study was to determine disorders in the metabolism of the essential elements (Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn) in some tissues of rats, as well as to detect the dynamics of urinary excretion of these metals after oral administration of 20 mgAl/kg every day for 8 wk. The elements were determined in brain, kidneys, blood, and urine of the animals in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 8th wk after the exposure to AlCl3. After the 1st wk of aluminium administration, we observed increase of Ca and a decrease of Fe in blood. In brain Ca, Fe, and Cu concentrations were significantly higher in Al-treated rats than in controls after 8-wk exposure. The concentration changes of the essential metals in the tissue were accompanied by increase of the Ca, Fe, and Zn urinary excretion. We assume that the increase in urinary excretion of Ca and the decrease of Fe in the blood may be sensitive indicators of oral aluminium administration.