Verapamil administration alleviates microcytosis and tissue accumulation after chronic aluminum exposure in rats

Abstract

Introduction/Objective Research has demonstrated the toxicant potential of aluminum, but no therapeutic options have been suggested. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of the aluminum-induced toxicity, evaluated by hematological/biochemical disarrangements, hepcidin concentration and tissue accumulation after chronic aluminum exposure and to determine possible protection with Ca2+-channel blockage, verapamil.

Methods Experimental animals (36 rats) were treated with different doses of AlCl3 during eight weeks and after that their blood and tissues were analyzed.

Results The significant differences, regardless of the aluminum dose administered, were documented in all evaluated hematological (p < 0.001) and biochemical parameters (p < 0.001), as well as in aluminum tissue deposition in liver, kidneys and testicles (p < 0.001), respectively. After verapamil administration, a significant improvement in some hematological and biochemical parameters was demonstrated, p < 0.001, as well as the attenuation of aluminum deposits in liver and testes, p < 0.001. Evaluated parameters of inflammation and kidney deposition did not show significant change after verapamil application.

Conclusion The findings indicate that chronic AlCl3 intoxication, regardless of the dose, results in the microcytic anemia associated with high hepcidin levels, numerous biochemical abnormalities and significant aluminum deposition in liver, kidney and testes and that these effects may be attenuated by verapamil administration. Overall, the results emphasize the significance of calcium homeostasis preservation in chronic aluminum exposure and propose possible therapeutic option.

Keywords: aluminum-induced toxicity; verapamil; chronic exposure; hepcidin; microcytosis