EFFECTS OF SUBCHRONIC DESFERRIOXAMINE INFUSION ON ALUMINUM TOXICITY IN RABBITS

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 44  (3) , 411-422
Abstract
The effects of subchronic deferrioxamine (DFO) infusion on Al loaded rabbits were studied. Rabbits received s.c. injections of Al lactate (600 .mu.mol Al/kg) or Na lactate (1800 .mu.mol/kg) 5 days per wk for 4 wk. Beginning 2 wk later rabbits received DFO by s.c. infusion at a rate of 3.85 mg/h for 4 wk (total dose = 2550 mg), or sham treatment. The treatment groups were: control, DFO-only, Al-only and Al + DFO. Al-induced reductions in food consumption and efficiency of food utilization were not affected by DFO. Al-induced decreases in water consumption were enhanced by DFO. Al levels were reduced in 10 of 12 organs and brain regions of Al + DFO vs. Al-only groups, but results were statistically significant in only 2 tissues. Subchronic DFO infusion appears to be beneficial in Al-loaded subjects but not without potential for further toxicity. [Implications with respect to the use of this drug in the prevention of Al induced dialysis encephalopathy syndrome and dialysis osteomalacia in humans are presented.].