Interaction of Aluminum with Exogenous and Endogenous Iron in the Organism of Rats

The aim of these experiments was to find changes in free erythrocyte protoporphyrins (FEP) and in the concentration of endogenous iron in the blood, erythrocytes, serum, liver, kidneys, and spleen of rats, as well as in the dynamics of aluminum concentrations in the serum of rats after oral application of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) separately or with ferrum chloride (FeCl2), depending on the time and doses administered. The experiments were carried out on female Wistar rats which received (p.o.) 100 mg Al/kg separately or with iron (4 mg Fe/kg) daily for 35 days. The effects of aluminum administration were noticed after the second week. The experiments demonstrated that the increase in the level of free erythrocyte protoporphyrins in the blood is the most sensitive indicator of exposure to AlCl3. A decrease in iron concentration in erythrocytes, blood, and spleen was also noticed. The response and the sequence of the investigated effects were recorded according to aluminum and iron concentration in the serum. Joint administration of iron and aluminum decreases concentration of aluminum in serum and prevents changes in the investigated indicators in rats exposed to aluminum chloride.