Immunotoxicity of copper alginate fibers in guinea pigs and mice

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2011 Dec;144(1-3):1077-82. doi: 10.1007/s12011-011-9133-7. Epub 2011 Jul 14.

Abstract

The relation between copper alginate fibers and immunotoxicity in animals was studied by dividing guinea pigs and mice into control groups and experimental groups. Varied weights of fibers were subcutaneously embedded in the experimental groups, whereas the control groups were operated on simulatively. Morphology analysis, erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) test, direct plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay, quantitative hemolysis spectrophotometry (QHS) assay, macrophages phagocytosis assay, and pathology analysis were used to examine morphology, microstructure, and immunotoxicity. With increasing doses of copper alginate fibers, the EOF of experimental groups increased in contrast with the control group. Moreover, the antibody level decreased based on the results of the PFC and QHS assays, and macrophages phagocytosis descended in relation to dose. However, the immune functions were weakened without time dependence. According to pathologic photographs, the partial organs were damaged, implying bad histocompatibility. Hence, copper alginate fiber is proved to be a harmful material for medical devices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alginates / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation / drug effects
  • Erythrocytes / drug effects
  • Glucuronic Acid / immunology
  • Glucuronic Acid / toxicity
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Hemolysis / drug effects
  • Hemolytic Plaque Technique
  • Hexuronic Acids / immunology
  • Hexuronic Acids / toxicity
  • Immunity, Cellular / drug effects*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Osmotic Fragility / drug effects
  • Phagocytosis / drug effects

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Hexuronic Acids
  • Glucuronic Acid