Effect of acute zinc administration on essential metal levels in liver, kidney, lung and heart of the male Egyptian toad Bufo regularis

ABSTRACT

To compare the organ injuries by Zn2+, a concentration of 48 mg Zn/kg body weight represented by LD50 was administered intramuscularly to the male Egyptian toad Bufo regularis. Median lethal concentration values [LD50] were 68, 62, 54 and 48 mg Zn/kg body weight for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr, respectively. The changes in the concentration of six essential metals [Zn, Fe, Cu, Ca, Mg and Mn] were determined in liver, kidney, heart and lung of the male Egyptian toad Bufo regularis. Marked alterations in hepatic metal levels [increases of Zn, Cu and Ca] accompanied by a decrease in Fe content were observed. Renal Zn and Cu concentrations were increased, while renal magnesium was decreased. A significant depletion in Mg content was observed in the heart of the treated toad, while Mn content was increased in the lung of the treated one