Tissue distribution, placental transfer and excretion of silver nanoparticles in pregnant rats after a single oral dose

Abstract

A quantitative assessment of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in fluids and some organs of pregnant rats as well as their fetal blood were carried out in this study. A single oral dose (1mg/kg) of AgNPs with a size range of 4-20 nm was administered to pregnant rats on the 19th of gestation. Five groups were euthanized after 10 min, 1, 6, 12, and 24 hr as well as the control group. Total Silver (Ag) contents were measured in bloods (maternal and fetal) and several organs using Inductive Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) followed by acid digestion. In maternal blood, AgNPs were found to increase time-dependently after 12 and 24 hr into 0.135 and 0.224 μg/ml, but it was slightly higher in fetal blood (0.32 and 0.31 μg/ml) after 10 min and 1 hr. In other samples: kidneys, liver, spleen, placenta, and uterus the data indicated that NPs were rapidly absorbed from the dosing site (gastrointestinal tract) as evidenced by the detection of Ag in the analyzed samples (fluids and tissues). On the other hand, the cumulative percentages of excretion level in urine was 8.25% which was higher than in feces (4.77%) after 24 hr. These findings indicate the ability of AgNPs to accumulate in pregnant rats and transfer to their fetus imposing adverse outcomes and male formation. Thus, further investigations must be followed for direct and/or indirect exposure to such NPs before decision for their practices.

Advances in Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeling of Nanomaterials

“…113 Similarly, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with a size range of 4−20 nm were rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract following their oral administration to pregnant rats. 114 The cumulative excretion values of AgNPs showed a renal excretion level of 8.25%, which was higher than the fecal excretion level of 4.77% after 24 h. 114 The results showed that AgNPs accumulated within the body of pregnant rats and also transferred to the fetus which may lead to adverse effects. 114 Despite numerous studies that have been conducted to investigate and predict the effects of nanoparticles on pregnant subjects, there appears to be no NP-PBPK model that has been developed for such specific cases.…”

“…Similarly, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with a size range of 4–20 nm were rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract following their oral administration to pregnant rats . The cumulative excretion values of AgNPs showed a renal excretion level of 8.25%, which was higher than the fecal excretion level of 4.77% after 24 h . The results showed that AgNPs accumulated within the body of pregnant rats and also transferred to the fetus which may lead to adverse effects .…”

“…13 nm ZnO nanoparticles caused fetal developmental toxicity; however, 57 nm ZnO nanoparticles and bulk nanoparticles did not cross these barriers and show toxic effects . Similarly, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with a size range of 4–20 nm were rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract following their oral administration to pregnant rats . The cumulative excretion values of AgNPs showed a renal excretion level of 8.25%, which was higher than the fecal excretion level of 4.77% after 24 h .…”