Comparative study of hematological responses to platinum group metals, antimony and silver nanoparticles in animal models

Abstract

Research was conducted to examine the hematological effects of heavy metals (platinum (Pt ^(IV)), palladium (Pd ^(II)), rhodium (Rh ^(III)), antimony (Sb ^(III) and Sb ^(V)), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)) on white blood cells in mammalian (rat) and avian (chick embryo) models. These metals are used in many everyday products and are accumulating in our environment. Six—week old Sprague—Dawley female rats were treated daily by gavage and six—day old, fertile, specific pathogen—free white leghorn strain chick embryos’ eggs were injected on days 7 and 14 of incubation with 0.0, 1.0, 5.0 or 10.0 ppm concentrations of Pt ^(IV) and a platinum group metal (PGM) mix of Pt ^(IV), Pd ^(II) and Rh ^(III). Chick embryos were also tested with 1.0 or 5.0 ppm of antimony compounds (Sb ^(III) and Sb ^(V)) and 0.0, 15.0, 30.0, 60.0, or 100.0 ppm of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). After 8 weeks of treatment, blood was obtained from the rats by jugular cut down and from chick embryos on day 20 of incubation by heart puncture. Blood smears were made and stained and a differential white cell count was performed on each. Examination of the smears revealed unconventional dose responses, stimulation of the immune response, and decreases in leukocyte production with various metals and concentrations. Chick embryos responded differently than rats to Pt and the PGM mix; suggesting that species differences and/or stage of development are important components of response to heavy metals. Route of administration of the metals might also influence the response. All of the heavy metals tested affected the immune responses of the tested animals as demonstrated by changes in the types and numbers of leukocytes. Our findings warrant further research to determine the mechanism of these effects and to understand and prevent toxicological effects in humans and other living organisms.

Keywords:

• Antimony
• hematology
• immune response
• palladium
• pathology
• platinum
• rhodium
• silver nanoparticles

Acknowledgment

We would like to thank Dr. Joseph A. Conetta, Retired, Department of Comparative Medicine, New York Medical College, for his instruction and assistance with gavage and jugular cut-down techniques on rats and his guidance throughout.