Comparative assessment of the pulmonary effect in rats to a single intratracheal administration of selenium or copper oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

Introduction. Professional contact with selenium, copper and their compounds, including nanoscale forms, occurs in the metallurgical processes of copper sludge processing, copper pyrite roasting, manganese, selenium and tellurium production. The wide prevalence of selenium and copper oxide nanoparticles (SeO and CuO NPs) necessitates a comparative experimental assessment of its toxicity. Materials and methods. The copper or selenium oxide nanoparticle suspensions or a deionized water were intratracheally administered to female rats at single time. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained 24 hours after administration. There were evaluated the cellular composition and the biochemical parameters of the BALF. Results. The changes in the cellular composition of BALF demonstrate the SeO-NP and CuO-NP have a cytotoxic effect. The BALF biochemical indices were changed to a greater extent under CuO-NP. However, the phagocytic capacity of alveolar macrophages is activated under the SeO-NP. Conclusion. The SeO-NP and CuO-NP have a cytotoxic effect. SeO-NP have a positive effect on pulmonary phagocytosis, which can presumably be associated with selenium is a biomicroelement.