An investigation of cobalt toxicity on blood parameters and evaluation of deferasirox and desferrioxamine chelators in removing cobalt from biological system

Abstract

This experiment was undertaken to study the toxic effects of cobalt chloride in rats. Sixty-five rats weighing 207 ± 7 g were used. Cobalt chloride was administrated orally in low and high doses for 90 d. The aim of study was to evaluate the effects of cobalt on blood (RBC, WBC, Hb, PLT and HCT) and to investigate the abilities of deferasirox (DFX) and desferrioxamine (DFO) as chelators in removing cobalt from the blood. Cobalt and iron concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). Results show that both of chelators are able to remove cobalt but DFX was more effective, whereas the combined therapy is more efficient.

• Cobalt
• chelation therapy
• DFX
• DFO

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the head and director of Kerman Neuroscience Research Center and Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman Faculty Research Funds for their support of these investigations.