Transplacental passage of aluminium from pregnant mice to fetus organs after maternal transcutaneous exposure

Abstract

Aluminium is present in tap water, antiperspirants and cosmetics up to 20%. Teratogenicity of aluminium was clearly identified after per os or intravenous administra tion. Malformations and other alterations by aluminium intoxication were evaluated in fetus. In the present study, we investigated the possible transplacental passage of aluminium and its accumulation in the tissue after cutaneous uptake. Female Swiss mice received alumi nium chloride by cutaneous way (0.4 μg/day) during 20 days of gestation. The samples were assayed for alumi nium quantification by graphite furnace atomic absorp tion with Zeeman correction. This treatment led to an increase of aluminium in maternal and fetus samples (serum, amniotic fluid and organs) as compared to controls.