Effects of subchronic aluminum exposure on the immune function of erythrocytes in rats

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2011 Dec;143(3):1576-80. doi: 10.1007/s12011-011-8964-6. Epub 2011 Jan 29.

Abstract

This study assessed effects of aluminum (Al) exposure on the immune function of erythrocytes in rats. Forty male Wistar rats (5 weeks old) weighed 110-120 g were randomly allocated equally into four groups according to their weights and were orally exposed to 0, 64.18, 128.36, and 256.72 mg/kg body weight aluminum trichloride in drinking water for 120 days. Levels of erythrocytes C(3b) receptor rate (RBC-C(3b)RR), erythrocytes C(3b) immune complex rosette rate (RBC-ICR), erythrocytes rosette forming enhancing rate (ERER) and erythrocytes rosette forming inhibitory rate (ERIR) were determined by the end of experiment. The three Al-treated groups had lower values of RBC-C(3b)RR and ERER, and higher values of RBC-ICR and ERIR than those in control group. The levels of RBC-C(3b)RR and ERER decreased, while the levels of RBC-ICR and ERIR increased with the increases of Al content in drinking water. The results suggest that the immune function of erythrocytes in rats is suppressed by Al exposure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Erythrocytes / drug effects*
  • Erythrocytes / immunology
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Rosette Formation*

Substances

  • Aluminum