Enteral intake of aluminum sulphate in acidic medium enhances absorption and alters tissue content of other trace elements in male albino rats

Abstract EN

Background : Aluminium (Al) intoxication was recognised as a causal agent in p a t i ent s undergoing haemodialysis and then was linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Nevertheless, environmental pollution with Al is mainly via drinking water, particularly when acidic rain falls on Al containing soil and bedrock.

In addition, aluminium utens i l s are widely used for cooking.

Therefore, an increasing concern is emerging for the role of pH in the absorption of aluminium from ingested food. Materials and methods : The objective of this study was to establish the effect of acidification with1 Ml / dL of concentrated acetic acid on the absorption of aluminium from a 5 mM aluminium sulphate solution taken orally in albino rats.

Levels of Al, Ca, Cu, and Fe in plasma.

brain, kidney, and liver were measured by atomic absorption. Results : The results indicate that acidification of Al salt solution with acetic acid enhances its absorption.

Increased plasma Al level (p < 0.05) was associated with increased deposition in all tissues and a reduced overall body mass (p < 0.05) and mass of cerebral hemispheres (p < 0.01) relative to the controls.

The increased plasma levels of Al correlated positively with increased Al deposited in the kidney (r = 0.790) liver (r = 0.967), and brain (r = 0.955) despite the blood brain barrier.

Increased Al also correlated negatively with levels of Ca, Cu, and Fe in all tissues except in brain in which there was a positive correlation with Ca deposition. Conclusion : The study shows an increased absorption and deposition of Al in the tissues from rats ingesting acidified Al solution with acetic acid.