|
Zeolites are natural or synthetic crystalline
alumosilicates with ion exchanging properties. Supplied in fodder, they
promote biomass production and animal health. Our aim was to assess the
effects of the natural zeolite, clinoptilolite, on
hematopoiesis, serum electrolytes and essential biochemical indicators of
kidney and liver function in mice. Two preparations differing in particle
size were tested: a powderized form obtained by countercurrent mechanical
treatment of the clinoptilolite (MTCp) and normally ground
clinoptilolite (NGCp). Young adult mice were supplied with food
containing 12.5, 25 or 50% clinoptilolite powder. Control animals received
the same food ration without the clinoptilolite. After 10, 20, 30
and 40 days, six animals from each group were exsanguinated to obtain
blood for hematological and serum for biochemical measurements as well as
to collect femoral bone marrow for determination of hematopoietic
activity. Clinoptilolite ingestion was well tolerated, as judged by
comparable body masses of treated and control animals. A 20% increase of
the potassium level was detected in mice receiving the zeolite-rich diet,
without other changes in serum chemistry. Erythrocyte, hemoglobin and
platelet levels in peripheral blood were not materially affected. NGCp
caused leukocytosis, with concomitant decline of the GM-CFU content in the
bone marrow, which was attributed to intestinal irritation by rough
zeolite particles. The mechanically treated clinoptilolite
preparation caused similar, albeit less pronounced, changes. In a limited
experiment, mice having transplanted mammary carcinoma in the terminal
stage showed increased potassium and decreased sodium and chloride levels,
severe anemia and leukocytosis, decreased bone marrow cellularity and
diminished content of hematopoietic progenitor cells in the marrow. The
clinoptilolite preparations ameliorated the sodium and chloride
decline, whereas the effects on hematopoiesis were erratic.
Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular
Medicine, PO Box 180, HR-10002, Zagreb, Croatia.
kleiner@rudjer.irb.hr
Authors/Credit:
Martin-Kleiner I, Flegar-Meštrić Z, Zadro R, Breljak D,
Stanović-Janda S, Stojković R, Marušić M, Radačić M, Boranić M: The
effect of the zeolite clinoptilolite on serum chemistry and hematopoesis
in mice. Food Chem Toxicol 39 (2001) 717 –727.
|
About Us
