1
|
Vellingiri B. A deeper understanding about the role of uranium toxicity in neurodegeneration. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 233:116430. [PMID: 37329943 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Natural deposits and human-caused releases of uranium have led to its contamination in the nature. Toxic environmental contaminants such as uranium that harm cerebral processes specifically target the brain. Numerous experimental researches have shown that occupational and environmental uranium exposure can result in a wide range of health issues. According to the recent experimental research, uranium can enter the brain after exposure and cause neurobehavioral problems such as elevated motion related activity, disruption of the sleep-wake cycle, poor memory, and elevated anxiety. However, the exact mechanism behind the factor for neurotoxicity by uranium is still uncertain. This review primarily aims on a brief overview of uranium, its route of exposure to the central nervous system, and the likely mechanism of uranium in neurological diseases including oxidative stress, epigenetic modification, and neuronal inflammation has been described, which could present the probable state-of-the-art status of uranium in neurotoxicity. Finally, we offer some preventative strategies to workers who are exposed to uranium at work. In closing, this study highlights the knowledge of uranium's health dangers and underlying toxicological mechanisms is still in its infancy, and there is still more to learn about many contentious discoveries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balachandar Vellingiri
- Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, Punjab, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Berntsson E, Vosough F, Noormägi A, Padari K, Asplund F, Gielnik M, Paul S, Jarvet J, Tõugu V, Roos PM, Kozak M, Gräslund A, Barth A, Pooga M, Palumaa P, Wärmländer SKTS. Characterization of Uranyl (UO 22+) Ion Binding to Amyloid Beta (Aβ) Peptides: Effects on Aβ Structure and Aggregation. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:2618-2633. [PMID: 37487115 PMCID: PMC10401651 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Uranium (U) is naturally present in ambient air, water, and soil, and depleted uranium (DU) is released into the environment via industrial and military activities. While the radiological damage from U is rather well understood, less is known about the chemical damage mechanisms, which dominate in DU. Heavy metal exposure is associated with numerous health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent age-related cause of dementia. The pathological hallmark of AD is the deposition of amyloid plaques, consisting mainly of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides aggregated into amyloid fibrils in the brain. However, the toxic species in AD are likely oligomeric Aβ aggregates. Exposure to heavy metals such as Cd, Hg, Mn, and Pb is known to increase Aβ production, and these metals bind to Aβ peptides and modulate their aggregation. The possible effects of U in AD pathology have been sparsely studied. Here, we use biophysical techniques to study in vitro interactions between Aβ peptides and uranyl ions, UO22+, of DU. We show for the first time that uranyl ions bind to Aβ peptides with affinities in the micromolar range, induce structural changes in Aβ monomers and oligomers, and inhibit Aβ fibrillization. This suggests a possible link between AD and U exposure, which could be further explored by cell, animal, and epidemiological studies. General toxic mechanisms of uranyl ions could be modulation of protein folding, misfolding, and aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elina Berntsson
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn
University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Faraz Vosough
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andra Noormägi
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn
University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Kärt Padari
- Institute
of Molecular and Cell Biology, University
of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Fanny Asplund
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maciej Gielnik
- Department
of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus
University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Suman Paul
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jüri Jarvet
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- CellPept
Sweden AB, Kvarngatan
10B, 118 47 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vello Tõugu
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn
University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Per M. Roos
- Institute
of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- University
Healthcare Unit of Capio St. Göran Hospital, 112 81 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maciej Kozak
- Department
of Biomedical Physics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-712 Poznań, Poland
- SOLARIS
National Synchrotron Radiation Centre, Jagiellonian
University, 31-007 Kraków, Poland
| | - Astrid Gräslund
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- CellPept
Sweden AB, Kvarngatan
10B, 118 47 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Barth
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margus Pooga
- Institute
of Technology, University of Tartu, 50090 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Peep Palumaa
- Department
of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn
University of Technology, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Sebastian K. T. S. Wärmländer
- Chemistry
Section, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm
University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- CellPept
Sweden AB, Kvarngatan
10B, 118 47 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang L, Chu J, Xia B, Xiong Z, Zhang S, Tang W. Health Effects of Particulate Uranium Exposure. TOXICS 2022; 10:575. [PMID: 36287855 PMCID: PMC9610560 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10100575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Uranium contamination has become a nonnegligible global health problem. Inhalation of particulate uranium is one of the predominant routes of occupational and environmental exposure. Uranium particle is a complex two-phase flow of matter that is both particulate and flowable. This particular physicochemical property may alter its biological activity. Epidemiological studies from occupationally exposed populations in the uranium industry have concluded that there is a possible association between lung cancer risk and uranium exposure, while the evidence for the risk of other tumors is not sufficient. The toxicological effects of particulate uranium exposure to animals have been shown in laboratory tests to focus on respiratory and central nervous system damage. Fibrosis and tumors can occur in the lung tissue of the respiratory tract. Uranium particles can also induce a concentration-dependent increase in cytotoxicity, targeting mitochondria. The understanding of the health risks and potential toxicological mechanisms of particulate uranium contamination is still at a preliminary stage. The diversity of particle parameters has limited the in-depth exploration. This review summarizes the current evidence on the toxicology of particulate uranium and highlights the knowledge gaps and research prospects.
Collapse
|
4
|
Tournier BB, Ibanez C, Tourlonias E, Petitot F, Paquet F, Dublineau I, Lestaevel P. Brain accumulation of inhaled uranium in the rat depends on aerosol concentration, exposure repetitions, particle size and solubility. Toxicol Lett 2021; 351:10-17. [PMID: 34363895 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A rostro-caudal gradient of uranium (U) in the brain has been suggested after its inhalation. To study the factors influencing this mapping, we first used 30-min acute inhalation at 56 mg/m3 of the relatively soluble form UO4 in the rat. These exposure parameters were then used as a reference in comparison with the other experimental conditions. Other groups received acute inhalation at different concentrations, repeated low dose inhalation of UO4 (10 exposures) or acute low dose inhalation of the insoluble form UO2. At 24 h after the last exposure, all rats showed a brain U accumulation with a rostro-caudal gradient as compared to controls. However, the total concentration to the brain was greater after repeated exposure than acute exposure, demonstrating an accumulative effect. In comparison with the low dose soluble U exposure, a higher accumulation in the front of the brain was observed after exposure to higher dose, to insoluble particles and following repetition of exposures, thus demonstrating a dose effect and influences of solubility and repetition of exposures. In the last part, exposure to ultrafine U particles made it possible to show 24 h after exposure the presence of U in the brain according to a rostro-caudal gradient. Finally, the time-course after exposure to micronic or nanometric U particles has revealed greater residence times for nanoparticles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin B Tournier
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE, SESANE, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie et Radiobiologie Expérimentale, 92262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Division of Adult Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chrystelle Ibanez
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE, SESANE, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie et Radiobiologie Expérimentale, 92262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Elie Tourlonias
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE, SESANE, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie et Radiobiologie Expérimentale, 92262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Nucléagis SAS, 63480, Vertolaye, France
| | - Fabrice Petitot
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE, SESANE, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie et Radiobiologie Expérimentale, 92262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; CEA, DEN, DUSP, Service de Protection contre les Rayonnements, 30207, Bagnols sur Cèze Cedex, France
| | - François Paquet
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE, SESANE, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie et Radiobiologie Expérimentale, 92262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV, SRTE, 13115, Saint Paul-lez-Durance, Cedex, France
| | - Isabelle Dublineau
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE, SESANE, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie et Radiobiologie Expérimentale, 92262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV, SEDRE, Unité d'expertise des sites et des déchets radioactifs, 92262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Philippe Lestaevel
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE, SESANE, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie et Radiobiologie Expérimentale, 92262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France; Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE, SER, Bureau d'Analyse et de Suivi des Expositions Professionnelles, 92262, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Carmona A, Porcaro F, Somogyi A, Roudeau S, Domart F, Medjoubi K, Aubert M, Isnard H, Nonell A, Rincel A, Paredes E, Vidaud C, Malard V, Bresson C, Ortega R. Cytoplasmic aggregation of uranium in human dopaminergic cells after continuous exposure to soluble uranyl at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Neurotoxicology 2020; 82:35-44. [PMID: 33166614 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Uranium exposure can lead to neurobehavioral alterations in particular of the monoaminergic system, even at non-cytotoxic concentrations. However, the mechanisms of uranium neurotoxicity after non-cytotoxic exposure are still poorly understood. In particular, imaging uranium in neurons at low intracellular concentration is still very challenging. We investigated uranium intracellular localization by means of synchrotron X-ray fluorescence imaging with high spatial resolution (< 300 nm) and high analytical sensitivity (< 1 μg.g-1 per 300 nm pixel). Neuron-like SH-SY5Y human cells differentiated into a dopaminergic phenotype were continuously exposed, for seven days, to a non-cytotoxic concentration (10 μM) of soluble natural uranyl. Cytoplasmic submicron uranium aggregates were observed accounting on average for 62 % of the intracellular uranium content. In some aggregates, uranium and iron were co-localized suggesting common metabolic pathways between uranium and iron storage. Uranium aggregates contained no calcium or phosphorous indicating that detoxification mechanisms in neuron-like cells are different from those described in bone or kidney cells. Uranium intracellular distribution was compared to fluorescently labeled organelles (lysosomes, early and late endosomes) and to fetuin-A, a high affinity uranium-binding protein. A strict correlation could not be evidenced between uranium and the labeled organelles, or with vesicles containing fetuin-A. Our results indicate a new mechanism of uranium cytoplasmic aggregation after non-cytotoxic uranyl exposure that could be involved in neuronal defense through uranium sequestration into less reactive species. The remaining soluble fraction of uranium would be responsible for protein binding and for the resulting neurotoxic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asuncion Carmona
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, CENBG, UMR 5797, F-33170 Gradignan, France.
| | | | - Andrea Somogyi
- Nanoscopium, Synchrotron SOLEIL Saint-Aubin, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Stéphane Roudeau
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, CENBG, UMR 5797, F-33170 Gradignan, France
| | - Florelle Domart
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, CENBG, UMR 5797, F-33170 Gradignan, France
| | - Kadda Medjoubi
- Nanoscopium, Synchrotron SOLEIL Saint-Aubin, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Michel Aubert
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d'Etudes Analytiques Et De Réactivité Des Surfaces, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Hélène Isnard
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d'Etudes Analytiques Et De Réactivité Des Surfaces, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Anthony Nonell
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d'Etudes Analytiques Et De Réactivité Des Surfaces, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Anaïs Rincel
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d'Etudes Analytiques Et De Réactivité Des Surfaces, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Eduardo Paredes
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d'Etudes Analytiques Et De Réactivité Des Surfaces, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Claude Vidaud
- CEA, BIAM, Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies d'Aix-Marseille, CEA-Marcoule, 30207 Bagnols Sur Cèze, France
| | - Véronique Malard
- Aix Marseille Univ., CEA, CNRS, BIAM, IPM, Saint Paul-Lez-Durance F-13108, France
| | - Carole Bresson
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Service d'Etudes Analytiques Et De Réactivité Des Surfaces, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Richard Ortega
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, CENBG, UMR 5797, F-33170 Gradignan, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gloaguen C, Raimundo AF, Elie C, Schmitt A, Floriani M, Favard S, Monneret D, Imbert-Bismut F, Weiss N, Deli MA, Tack K, Lestaevel P, Benadjaoud MA, Legendre A. Passage of uranium through human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells: influence of time exposure in mono- and co-culture in vitro models. Int J Radiat Biol 2020; 96:1597-1607. [PMID: 32990492 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2020.1828655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Depleted uranium (DU) has several civilian and military applications. The effects of this emerging environmental pollutant on human health raise some concerns. Previous experimental studies have shown that uranium (U) exposure can disturb the central nervous system. A small quantity of U reaches the brain via the blood, but the effects on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remain unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the present work, two cell culture models were exposed to DU for different times to study its cytotoxicity, paracellular permeability and extracellular concentration of U. The well-known immortalized human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, hCMEC/D3, were cultured on the filter in the first model. In the second model, human primary cells of pericytes were cultured under the filter to understand the influence of cell environment after U exposure. RESULTS The results show that U is not cytotoxic to hCMEC/D3 cells or pericytes until 500 µM (1.6 Bq.L-1). In addition, acute or chronic low-dose exposure of U did not disturb permeability and was conserved in both cell culture models. However, U is able to reach the brain compartment. During the first hours of exposure, the passage of U to the abluminal compartment was significantly reduced in the presence of pericytes. Electronic microscopy studies evidenced the formation of needlelike structures, like urchin-shaped precipitates, from 1 h of exposure. Analytical microscopy confirmed the U composition of these precipitates. Interestingly, precipitated U was detected only in endothelial cells and not in pericytes. U was localized in multilamellar or multivesicular bodies along the endo-lysosomal pathway, suggesting the involvement of these traffic vesicles in U sequestration and/or elimination. CONCLUSIONS We show for the first time the in vitro passage of U across a human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, and the intracellular localization of U precipitates without any cytotoxicity or modification of paracellular permeability. The difference between the results obtained with monolayers and co-culture models with pericytes illustrates the need to use complex in vitro models in order to mimic the neurovascular unit. Further in vivo studies should be performed to better understand the passage of U across the blood-brain barrier potentially involved in behavioral consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Gloaguen
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRTOX, PSE-SANTE/SERAMED, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - A F Raimundo
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRTOX, PSE-SANTE/SERAMED, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - C Elie
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRTOX, PSE-SANTE/SERAMED, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - A Schmitt
- Electronic Microscopy Facility, INSERM UMR 1016, Cochin Institute, Paris, France
| | - M Floriani
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-ENV/SRTE/LECO Saint Paul Lez Durance, France
| | - S Favard
- Department of Metabolic Biochemistry, La Pitié- Salpétrière- Charles Foix University Hospital (APHP), Paris, France
| | - D Monneret
- Department of Metabolic Biochemistry, La Pitié- Salpétrière- Charles Foix University Hospital (APHP), Paris, France
| | - F Imbert-Bismut
- Department of Metabolic Biochemistry, La Pitié- Salpétrière- Charles Foix University Hospital (APHP), Paris, France
| | - N Weiss
- Sorbonne Université, Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupement Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière Charles Foix, Département de Neurologie, Unité de réanimation neurologique, Paris, France.,Unité de réanimation neurologique, Pôle des Maladies du Système Nerveux, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière Charles Foix, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, et Institut de Neurosciences Translationnelles IHU-A-ICM, Paris, France
| | - M A Deli
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - K Tack
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRTOX, PSE-SANTE/SERAMED, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - P Lestaevel
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRTOX, PSE-SANTE/SERAMED, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - M A Benadjaoud
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRTOX, PSE-SANTE/SERAMED, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - A Legendre
- Institut de Radioprotection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), PSE-SANTE/SESANE/LRTOX, PSE-SANTE/SERAMED, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mitrović B, Stojanović M, Sekulić Ž, Andrić V, Vićentijević M, Vranješ B. Toxicity of high uranium doses in broilers and protection with mineral adsorbents. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2019; 58:385-391. [PMID: 30972493 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-019-00790-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the uranium distribution and histopathological changes in broiler organs (kidney, liver, and brain) and muscle after 7 days of contamination with high doses of uranyl nitrate hexahydrate (UN), and the protective efficiency of three different mineral adsorbents (organobentonite, organozeolite, and sepiolite). During the 7 days, the UN administration was 50 mg per day, and administration of adsorbents was 2 g per day immediately after UN. In control group where broilers received only UN, histopathological changes such as necrosis of intestinal villi, oedema, vacuolisation and abruption of epithelial cells in renal tubules, oedema and vacuolisation of the cytoplasm of hepatocytes, and dystrophic changes in the neurons of the medulla oblongata were observed. In contrast, when the adsorbents organobentonite, organozeolite, and sepiolite were administered, no histopathological changes were observed in liver and brain. The investigated adsorbents showed the highest protective effects in liver (80-92%), compared to the kidney (77-86%), brain (37-64%), and meat (31-63%).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Branislava Mitrović
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
| | - Mirjana Stojanović
- Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Row Materials, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Franše d'Eperea 86, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Živko Sekulić
- Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Mineral Row Materials, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Franše d'Eperea 86, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Velibor Andrić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Mihajlo Vićentijević
- Science Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Vojvode Toze 14, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Borjana Vranješ
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sharma N, Singh J. HUMAN KIDNEY AND SKELETON URANIUM BURDEN, RADIATION DOSE AND HEALTH RISKS FROM HIGH URANIUM CONTENTS IN DRINKING WATER OF BATHINDA DISTRICT (MALWA REGION) OF PUNJAB STATE, INDIA. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2017; 176:242-251. [PMID: 28115656 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncx002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Uranium concentration has been measured in drinking water samples from the Bathinda district. It ranges from 2.4 to 529 µg/l with a mean value of 120 µg/l. The mean uranium kidney burden for children and adults is 0.0838 and 0.059 µg U/g, respectively, which crosses the safe limit of 0.02 µg U/g. The mean values for skeleton burden are 1925.7 µg for children and 4108.2 µg for an adult. These values are 32 and 69 times higher than the skeleton burden of 59.4 µg for a normal adult. Radiological and chemical risk is also found to be higher than the recommended values. The mean effective ingestion dose for different age groups and genders is 188.2 µSv/y, while the safety limit is 100 µSv/y. The dose to the kidney, bone surface and bone marrow has also been evaluated. The observed values of the studied parameters show that people of this area may be at higher health risks corresponding to the intake of water; children may be the most affected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Sharma
- Department of Physics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
| | - Jaspal Singh
- Department of Physics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Miller AC, Rivas R, Tesoro L, Kovalenko G, Kovaric N, Pavlovic P, Brenner D. Radiation exposure from depleted uranium: The radiation bystander effect. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 331:135-141. [PMID: 28602947 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Depleted uranium (DU) is a radioactive heavy metal used primarily in military applications. Published data from our laboratory have demonstrated that DU exposure in vitro to immortalized human osteoblast cells (HOS) is both neoplastically transforming and genotoxic. In vivo studies have also demonstrated that DU is leukemogenic and genotoxic. DU possesses both a radiological (alpha particle) and chemical (metal) component but is generally considered a chemical biohazard. Studies have shown that alpha particle radiation does play a role in DU's toxic effects. Evidence has accumulated that non-irradiated cells in the vicinity of irradiated cells can have a response to ionization events. The purpose of this study was to determine if these "bystander effects" play a role in DU's toxic and neoplastic effects using HOS cells. We investigated the bystander responses between DU-exposed cells and non-exposed cells by co-culturing the two equal populations. Decreased cell survival and increased neoplastic transformation were observed in the non-DU exposed cells following 4 or 24h co-culture. In contrast Ni (II)- or Cr(VI)- exposed cells were unable to alter those biological effects in non-Ni(II) or non-Cr(VI) exposed co-cultured cells. Transfer experiments using medium from the DU-exposed and non-exposed co-cultured cells was able to cause adverse biological responses in cells; these results demonstrated that a factor (s) is secreted into the co-culture medium which is involved in this DU-associated bystander effect. This novel effect of DU exposure could have implications for radiation risk and for health risk assessment associated with DU exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Miller
- Science Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Radiology and Radiation Sciences Department, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20889, United States; Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10022, United States; New York University, School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, United States.
| | - Rafael Rivas
- Science Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Radiology and Radiation Sciences Department, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20889, United States
| | - Leonard Tesoro
- Science Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Radiology and Radiation Sciences Department, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20889, United States
| | - Gregor Kovalenko
- New York University, School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Nikola Kovaric
- New York University, School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Peter Pavlovic
- New York University, School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - David Brenner
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10022, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Annamalai SK, Arunachalam KD. Uranium ( 238U) bioaccumulation and its persuaded alterations on hematological, serological and histological parameters in freshwater fish Pangasius sutchi. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 52:262-275. [PMID: 28477471 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2017.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Revised: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The early biomarkers for the hematological, serological and histological alterations due to the effect of ½ and ¼ LC50 of 238U in different organs in freshwater fish Pangasius sutchi for water-borne 238U accumulation was investigated. The toxicological data due to 238U accumulation on the hematological parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and hematocrit (Hct) to evaluate the oxygen carrying capacity has been indicated as the secondary response of the organisms. The biomarkers of liver damage were determined as by Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), γ-Glutamyl Transferase (γ-GT). Similarly, the renal biomarkers of kidney damage were accessed by creatinine, uric acid, triglycerides, and cholesterol. The decrease in hemoglobin in the experimental group due to disturbed synthesis of hemoglobin was directly proportional to the concentration and exposure duration of 238U. The histological studies proved that liver and gills are the target organ for 238U toxicity. The extensive histological lesions were observed in various tissues due to oxidative stress by the accumulation of 238U, and the 238U toxicity in the organs was in the order of Gills<liver<brain<muscle. This study can be useful indicators of 238U toxicity to assess fish health in Uranium (238U) biomonitoring programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sathesh Kumar Annamalai
- Center for Environmental Nuclear Research, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203 India
| | - Kantha D Arunachalam
- Center for Environmental Nuclear Research, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203 India.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chronic Exposure to Uranium from Gestation: Effects on Behavior and Neurogenesis in Adulthood. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14050536. [PMID: 28513543 PMCID: PMC5451987 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14050536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Uranium exposure leads to cerebral dysfunction involving for instance biochemical, neurochemical and neurobehavioral effects. Most studies have focused on mechanisms in uranium-exposed adult animals. However, recent data on developing animals have shown that the developing brain is also sensitive to uranium. Models of uranium exposure during brain development highlight the need to improve our understanding of the effects of uranium. In a model in which uranium exposure began from the first day of gestation, we studied the neurobehavioral consequences as well as the progression of hippocampal neurogenesis in animals from dams exposed to uranium. Our results show that 2-month-old rats exposed to uranium from gestational day 1 displayed deficits in special memory and a prominent depressive-like phenotype. Cell proliferation was not disturbed in these animals, as shown by 5-bromo-2′deoxyuridine (BrdU)/neuronal specific nuclear protein (NeuN) immunostaining in the dentate gyrus. However, in some animals, the pyramidal cell layer was dispersed in the CA3 region. From our previous results with the same model, the hypothesis of alterations of neurogenesis at prior stages of development is worth considering, but is probably not the only one. Therefore, further investigations are needed to correlate cerebral dysfunction and its underlying mechanistic pathways.
Collapse
|
12
|
Dinocourt C, Legrand M, Dublineau I, Lestaevel P. The neurotoxicology of uranium. Toxicology 2015; 337:58-71. [PMID: 26277741 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The brain is a target of environmental toxic pollutants that impair cerebral functions. Uranium is present in the environment as a result of natural deposits and release by human applications. The first part of this review describes the passage of uranium into the brain, and its effects on neurological functions and cognitive abilities. Very few human studies have looked at its cognitive effects. Experimental studies show that after exposure, uranium can reach the brain and lead to neurobehavioral impairments, including increased locomotor activity, perturbation of the sleep-wake cycle, decreased memory, and increased anxiety. The mechanisms underlying these neurobehavioral disturbances are not clearly understood. It is evident that there must be more than one toxic mechanism and that it might include different targets in the brain. In the second part, we therefore review the principal mechanisms that have been investigated in experimental models: imbalance of the anti/pro-oxidant system and neurochemical and neurophysiological pathways. Uranium effects are clearly specific according to brain area, dose, and time. Nonetheless, this review demonstrates the paucity of data about its effects on developmental processes and the need for more attention to the consequences of exposure during development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Dinocourt
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Pôle de la Radioprotection de l'Homme, Service de Radiobiologie et d'Epidémiologie, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie Expérimentale, BP 17, F-92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| | - Marie Legrand
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Pôle de la Radioprotection de l'Homme, Service de Radiobiologie et d'Epidémiologie, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie Expérimentale, BP 17, F-92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| | - Isabelle Dublineau
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Pôle de la Radioprotection de l'Homme, Service de Radiobiologie et d'Epidémiologie, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie Expérimentale, BP 17, F-92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| | - Philippe Lestaevel
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Pôle de la Radioprotection de l'Homme, Service de Radiobiologie et d'Epidémiologie, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie Expérimentale, BP 17, F-92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
|
14
|
Roos PM, Vesterberg O, Syversen T, Flaten TP, Nordberg M. Metal concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and blood plasma from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Biol Trace Elem Res 2013; 151:159-70. [PMID: 23225075 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-012-9547-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal degenerative disorder of motor neurons. The cause of this degeneration is unknown, and different causal hypotheses include genetic, viral, traumatic and environmental mechanisms. In this study, we have analyzed metal concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood plasma in a well-defined cohort (n = 17) of ALS patients diagnosed with quantitative electromyography. Metal analyses were performed with high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Statistically significant higher concentrations of manganese, aluminium, cadmium, cobalt, copper, zinc, lead, vanadium and uranium were found in ALS CSF compared to control CSF. We also report higher concentrations of these metals in ALS CSF than in ALS blood plasma, which indicate mechanisms of accumulation, e.g. inward directed transport. A pattern of multiple toxic metals is seen in ALS CSF. The results support the hypothesis that metals with neurotoxic effects are involved in the pathogenesis of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Per M Roos
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lestaevel P, Bensoussan H, Dhieux B, Delissen O, Vacher CM, Dublineau I, Voisin P, Taouis M. Cerebral cortex and hippocampus respond differently after post-natal exposure to uranium. J Toxicol Sci 2013; 38:803-11. [DOI: 10.2131/jts.38.803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Lestaevel
- Institut de RadioProtection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Pôle de la Radioprotection de l’Homme, Service de Radiobiologie et d’Epidémiologie, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie Expérimentale
| | - Hélène Bensoussan
- Institut de RadioProtection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Pôle de la Radioprotection de l’Homme, Service de Radiobiologie et d’Epidémiologie, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie Expérimentale
| | - Bernadette Dhieux
- Institut de RadioProtection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Pôle de la Radioprotection de l’Homme, Service de Radiobiologie et d’Epidémiologie, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie Expérimentale
| | - Olivia Delissen
- Institut de RadioProtection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Pôle de la Radioprotection de l’Homme, Service de Radiobiologie et d’Epidémiologie, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie Expérimentale
| | - Claire-Marie Vacher
- Laboratoire de Neuroendocrinologie Moléculaire de la Prise Alimentaire, UMR 1197 INRA/Université Paris XI
| | - Isabelle Dublineau
- Institut de RadioProtection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Pôle de la Radioprotection de l’Homme, Service de Radiobiologie et d’Epidémiologie, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie Expérimentale
| | - Philippe Voisin
- Institut de RadioProtection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Pôle de la Radioprotection de l’Homme, Service de Radiobiologie et d’Epidémiologie, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie Expérimentale
| | - Mohammed Taouis
- Laboratoire de Neuroendocrinologie Moléculaire de la Prise Alimentaire, UMR 1197 INRA/Université Paris XI
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Brugge D, Buchner V. Health effects of uranium: new research findings. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2011; 26:231-49. [PMID: 22435323 DOI: 10.1515/reveh.2011.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent plans for a nuclear renaissance in both established and emerging economies have prompted increased interest in uranium mining. With the potential for more uranium mining worldwide and a growth in the literature on the toxicology and epidemiology of uranium and uranium mining, we found it timely to review the current state of knowledge. Here, we present a review of the health effects of uranium mining, with an emphasis on newer findings (2005-2011). Uranium mining can contaminate air, water, and soil. The chemical toxicity of the metal constitutes the primary environmental health hazard, with the radioactivity of uranium a secondary concern. The update of the toxicologic evidence on uranium adds to the established findings regarding nephrotoxicity, genotoxicity, and developmental defects. Additional novel toxicologic findings, including some at the molecular level, are now emerging that raise the biological plausibility of adverse effects on the brain, on reproduction, including estrogenic effects, on gene expression, and on uranium metabolism. Historically, most epidemiology on uranium mining has focused on mine workers and radon exposure. Although that situation is still overwhelmingly true, a smaller emerging literature has begun to form around environmental exposure in residential areas near uranium mining and processing facilities. We present and critique such studies. Clearly, more epidemiologic research is needed to contribute to causal inference. As much damage is irreversible, and possibly cumulative, present efforts must be vigorous to limit environmental uranium contamination and exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doug Brugge
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Miller AC, Stewart M, Rivas R. Preconceptional paternal exposure to depleted uranium: transmission of genetic damage to offspring. HEALTH PHYSICS 2010; 99:371-379. [PMID: 20699700 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0b013e3181cfe0dd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Depleted uranium (DU) is an alpha particle emitter and radioactive heavy metal used in military applications. Due to internalization of DU during military operations and the ensuing chronic internal exposure to DU, there are concerns regarding its potential health effects. Preconceptional paternal irradiation has been implicated as a causal factor in childhood cancer and it has been suggested that this paternal exposure to radiation may play a role in the occurrence of leukemia and other cancers to offspring. Similarly, in vivo heavy metal studies have demonstrated that carcinogenic effects can occur in unexposed offspring. Using a transgenic mouse system employing a lambda shuttle vector allowing mutations (in the lacI gene) to be analyzed in vitro, we have investigated the possibility that chronic preconceptional paternal DU exposure can lead to transgenerational transmission of genomic instability. The mutation frequencies in vector recovered from the bone marrow cells of the F1 offspring of male parents exposed to low, medium, and high doses of internalized DU for 7 mo were evaluated and compared to control, tantalum, nickel, and gamma radiation F1 samples. Results demonstrate that as paternal DU-dose increased there was a trend towards higher mutation frequency in vector recovered from the DNA obtained from bone marrow of F1 progeny; medium and high dose DU exposure to P1 fathers resulted in a significant increase in mutation frequency in F1 offspring (3.57 +or - 0.37 and 4.81 + or - 0.43 x 10; p < 0.001) in comparison to control (2.28 + or - 0.31 x 10). The mutation frequencies from F1 offspring of low dose DU, Ta- or Ni-implanted fathers (2. 71 + or - 0.35, 2.38 + or - 0.35, and 2.93 + or - 0.39 x 10, respectively) were not significantly different than control levels (2.28 + or - 0.31 x 10). Offspring from Co (4 Gy) irradiated fathers did demonstrate an increased lacI mutation frequency (4.69 + or - 0.48 x 10) as had been shown previously. To evaluate the role of radiation involved in the observed DU effects, males were exposed to equal concentrations (50 mg U L) of either enriched uranium or DU in their drinking water for 2 mo prior to breeding. A comparison of these offspring indicated that there was a specific-activity dependent increase in offspring bone marrow mutation frequency. Taken together these uranyl nitrate data support earlier results in other model systems showing that radiation can play a role in DU-induced biological effects in vitro. However, since the lacI mutation model measures point mutations and cannot measure large deletions that are characteristic of radiation damage, the role of DU chemical effects in the observed offspring mutation frequency increase may also be significant. Regardless of the question of DU-radiation vs. DU-chemical effects, the data indicate that there exists a route for transgenerational transmission of factor(s) leading to genomic instability in F1 progeny from DU-exposed fathers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Miller
- Scientific Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20889-5603, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Benavides-Garcia MG, Balasubramanian K. Structural Insights into the Binding of Uranyl with Human Serum Protein Apotransferrin Structure and Spectra of Protein−Uranyl Interactions. Chem Res Toxicol 2009; 22:1613-21. [DOI: 10.1021/tx900184r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria G. Benavides-Garcia
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Houston—Downtown, Houston, Texas 77002, College of Science, California State University, East Bay, Hayward, California 94542, Chemistry and Material Science Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, and Nuclear Science Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - Krishnan Balasubramanian
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Houston—Downtown, Houston, Texas 77002, College of Science, California State University, East Bay, Hayward, California 94542, Chemistry and Material Science Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, and Nuclear Science Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tournier BB, Frelon S, Tourlonias E, Agez L, Delissen O, Dublineau I, Paquet F, Petitot F. Role of the olfactory receptor neurons in the direct transport of inhaled uranium to the rat brain. Toxicol Lett 2009; 190:66-73. [PMID: 19501638 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2009.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2009] [Revised: 05/26/2009] [Accepted: 05/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Uranium presents numerous industrial and military uses and one of the most important risks of contamination is dust inhalation. In contrast to the other modes of contamination, the inhaled uranium has been proposed to enter the brain not only by the common route of all modes of exposure, the blood pathway, but also by a specific inhalation exposure route, the olfactory pathway. To test whether the inhaled uranium enter the brain directly from the nasal cavity, male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to both inhaled and intraperitoneally injected uranium using the (236)U and (233)U, respectively, as tracers. The results showed a specific frontal brain accumulation of the inhaled uranium which is not observed with the injected uranium. Furthermore, the inhaled uranium is higher than the injected uranium in the olfactory bulbs (OB) and tubercles, in the frontal cortex and in the hypothalamus. In contrast, the other cerebral areas (cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and brain residue) did not show any preferential accumulation of inhaled or injected uranium. These results mean that inhaled uranium enters the brain via a direct transfer from the nasal turbinates to the OB in addition to the systemic pathway. The uranium transfer from the nasal turbinates to the OB is lower in animals showing a reduced level of olfactory receptor neurons (ORN) induced by an olfactory epithelium lesion prior to the uranium inhalation exposure. These results give prominence to a role of the ORN in the direct transfer of the uranium from the nasal cavity to the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin B Tournier
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Laboratoire de Radiotoxicologie Expérimentale, IRSN/DRPH/SRBE/LRTOX, Site du Tricastin, B.P. 166, 26702 Pierrelatte Cedex, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
|