Trace metals and micronutrients in bone tissues of the red fox Vulpes vulpes (L., 1758)

In this study we determined the levels of trace elements (zinc, copper, lead, cadmium and mercury) in three layers of bones of the hip joint (cartilage, compact bone and spongy bone) of 30 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from north-western Poland. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ICP-AES) in inductively coupled argon plasma using a Perkin-Elmer Optima 2000 DV. Determination of Hg concentration was performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. In cartilage, compact bone and spongy bone samples from the red fox, median concentrations of the metals studied could be arranged in the following descending series: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > Hg, the values ranging from 142 to 0.002 mg/kg dw. There was a significant difference in Cu concentrations, among all the materials analyzed, with much more Cu found in spongy bone than in compact bone. Significant differences were also noted in the case of Hg concentrations in cartilage with compact bone and the spongy bone, and between concentrations of this metal in compact bone and spongy bone. In males, the concentration of Hg in spongy bone was greater than in females. Younger foxes had a higher concentration of this metal in cartilage than adults. The strongest synergistic relationships were observed in spongy bone between the Zn and Cu, Zn and Cd, as well as between Cu and Cd. Statistically significant antagonistic relationships were detected between zinc and lead in compact bone. In addition to monitoring studies conducted on the abiotic environment, an urgent need exists for long-term monitoring of concentrations of heavy metals with long-term effects on living organisms. An important addition is provided by biomonitoring studies on domesticated and free-living mammals, including Canidae

Age-dependent changes in the calcium concentration in women's bones and teeth

The inorganic part of bone tissue is mainly composed of Ca. In adult people, the resorption processes lead to the removal of minerals from calcified tissues. Women’s bodies are particularly vulnerable to a decrease in the concentration of Ca because the osteolysis processes that occur with age are compounded by hormonal changes during the menopause. The aim of the study was to determine the age-dependent concentration of Ca in the bones and teeth of adult women. The object of the research was calcified tissues bones and teeth (n=323). Samples were taken from women aged 26 - 85 years (mean: 55.7 years), living in Poland, in the Silesian Province. Samples were submitted to wet microwave mineralization (spectrally pure nitric acid). The Ca concentration in teeth and bones was determined with the AAS method. The concentration of Ca in the tested samples of calcified tissues from women aged 26 - 85 years was 10.1‑32.0%, and the average concentration was 16.7±3.5% in bones and 22.2±4.7% in teeth. The calcified tissues, from both bones and teeth, show a progressive decrease in the Ca concentration that occurs as women age. The decreasing level of Ca in bone and teeth was statistically significant (p<0.05). There was a difference in what age calcium is released from bones and teeth. The research showed that a decrease in the Ca concentration in bone tissue occurs earlier than it happens in teeth (about 10 years). The decrease in the Ca concentration in calcified tissues of teeth was slight greater than in bones, indicating slightly greater mobilization of Ca from the tissues of teeth

Research into analgesic effect of ondansetron in persistent pain model in rats with central noradrenergic system lesion

Introduction. Many known substances affecting the serotoninergic system induce definite physiological effects, including those which are therapeutic. For instance, the enhanced serotoninergic transmission due to decreased functions of autoreceptors and increased inhibitory functions of postsynaptic 5-HT1A is associated with antidepressant effect. The central serotoninergic system takes part in the regulation of many bodily functions, such as sleep, wakefulness, blood pressure, pain perception or sexual behaviours. Moreover, it is involved in the pathogenesis of depression, anxiety, addictions, migraine and other headaches. In pain therapy, not only typical analgesics are used, but also substances without obvious analgesic effect, thus allowing potential pharmacological modulation of analgesic activity in the treatment of pain. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine whether a chemical lesion to the central noradrenergic system at an early stage of individual development alters reactivity of 5-HT3 receptors in adult rats. Materials and method. The study used newborn and adult Wistar rats aged 8–10 weeks. Behavioural tests (writhing test, formalin assay) were used to assess the analgesic action of ondansetron as a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. Results. The analgesic effect of ondansetron (1.0 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) in the writhing test was weak and short. Pain intensity score after ondansetron injection (1.0 mg/kg b.w., i.p) was 2–3 points and did not differ significantly between the study groups. Conclusions. Damage to the central noradrenergic system at an early stage of individual development has no effect on the antinociceptive effects of the serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonist, ondansetron, in the persistent pain model