The impact of subchronic oral administrated aluminum on blood plasma iron and iron-interrelated proteins in rats
经饮水亚慢性铝染毒对大鼠血铁及相关蛋白水平的影响

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of subchronic aluminum (Al) exposure on iron (Fe) homeostasis in rats. One hundred Wistar rats were divided into two groups. Experimental rats were given drinking water containing aluminum chloride (Al3+ 430 mg ·L-1), while control rats were given distilled water for up to 150 days. Ten rats were sacrificed in each group every 30 days. Serum levels of Al, Fe, transferrin (TF), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were measured. Al-treated rats showed significantly decreased bodyweight and increased Al and Al/Fe levels during the experimental period. Fe level was higher on day 150 in the experimental group than in the control group. TF content and TIBC were higher from day 90, whereas sTfR content was lower from day 60 in the experimental group than in the control group. Longer duration of Al administration increased the serum levels of Al, TF, Al/Fe and TIBC and decreased sTfR. The Fe level decreased at first, and then increased. The results indicate that chronic exposure to Al disturbed Fe homeostasis.