Objective: To study the acute toxicity of carbon-coated iron nanocrystal (CCIN) in mice and its effects on hepatic, renal and hematological functions.
Methods: Acute toxicity of CCIN was evaluated by observing the toxic reactions in mice within 14 days following intravenous injection of different doses of CCIN particles. The liver and kidney functions and blood chemistry were tested in rats before and at different time points after CCIN injection.
Results: The median lethal dose (LD(50)) of CCIN particles given by intravenous injection was 203.8 mg /kg in mice. Within the intravenous dose of 80 mg /kg injection, CCIN caused only mild alterations of the rats' biochemical and hematological indices that recovered without intervention in two weeks.
Conclusion: CCIN is characterized by low acute toxicity and mild side effects on the hepatic, renal and hematological functions within a certain dose range.