Introduction: Aluminium (Al) intoxication was recognised as a causal agent in patients undergoing haemodialysis and then was linked to Alzheimer disease. Nevertheless, environmental pollution with Al is mainly via drinking water particularly when acidic rain falls on Al containing soil and Bedrock. Aluminium utensils are widely used for cooking and some concern exists regarding the levels of aluminium released through different cooking processes in these vessels. Therefore, increasing concern is emerging for the role of pH in the absorption of aluminium from ingested food. Aim and Methods: The objective of this study was to establish the effect of acidification on the absorption of aluminium from a 5 mM aluminium sulphate solution (Al) taken orally in albino rats. Levels of Al, Ca, Cu, and Fe in plasma, brain, kidney, and liver were measured. Results: The results indicate that acidification of Al salt solution enhances its absorption. Increased plasma Al level (p < 0.05 ) were associated with increased deposition in tissues and a reduced overall body mass (p < 0.05 ) and mass of cerebral hemispheres (p < 0.01 ) relative to controls ingesting the non acidified Al salt solution. The increased plasma levels of Al correlated positively with increased Al deposited in the kidney (r = 0.790), liver (r = 0.967), and brain (r = 0.955) despite the blood brain barrier (BBB). Increased Al also correlated negatively with levels of Ca, Cu, and Fe in all tissues except in brain in which there was a positive correlation with Ca deposition. Thus, we conclude that there is increased absorption of aluminium from ingested acidified solutions and that there is also increased deposition of metal ions in various tissues including the brain where aluminium and calcium are associated with degenerative states. The rising trends of Al deposition in the brain, which correlated, negatively with Cu and Fe levels in experimental animals have not been attempted earlier. Thus, an intelligent interpretation cannot be based on solid ground rather than assuming that the excessive accumulation of Al as positively charged heavy earth metal will remove out similarly charged particles of the same family that normal present. Conclusion: Thus, we conclude that, there is increased absorption and deposition of Al in all tissues from rats ingested acidified Al solution. This increased absorption of Al was associated with altered tissue contents of other trace elements.
Life Sciences 2007 (2007) Proc Life Sciences, PC422
Poster Communications: Enteral intake of Aluminium Sulphate in acidic medium enhances absorption and alters tissue content of other trace elements in male albino rats
M. Hilmy1, O. Al-Habib2
1. Department of Physiology, Baghdad College of Medicine, Baghdad, Iraq. 2. Department of Physiology, Amman College of Medicine, Amman, Jordan.
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Where applicable, experiments conform with Society ethical requirements.