The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histological and cytogenetic toxicity of chitosan that was a deacetylated derivative of chitin. Also, the effects of chitosan on the excretion of radiomercury (^(203)HgCl_(2)) and suppression of chromosome...
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histological and cytogenetic toxicity of chitosan that was a deacetylated derivative of chitin. Also, the effects of chitosan on the excretion of radiomercury (^(203)HgCl_(2)) and suppression of chromosome aberration caused by radiomercury were determined.
The frequency of micronuclei occurrence was observed after administrating 0.01, 0.1, and 1% chitosanoligosaccharide for 7, 60, and 180 days ad libitum. The frequency of the micronucleus Occurrence not associated with the intake periods and concentrations (p>0.05).
After administrating the frequency of chromosomal aberration was observed after administrating 0.01, 0.1, and 1% chitosan oligosaccharide to mice, in F_(1), F_(2), F_(3) generations and adults. The frequency of the chromosomal aberration Occurrence was not associated with the intake periods and concentrations (P>0.05).
After treated with the 0.1 % (1 mg/㎖) chitosanoligosaccharide was supplied for 90, 365 days ad libitum The blood components did not changed (P>0.05).
For the evaluation of chitosan safety, the ultrastructural changes of the liver in F_(1), F_(2), F_(3) generations and adults were observed with an electromicroscope (EM) after administrating 0.1% (1 mg/㎖) chitosanoligosaccharide to rats ad libitum. In case of F_(2) and 90-day treatment gropus, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was extended and ribosomes dropped from the ER. Other groups did not changed under the EM.
The chelation capacity of the radiomercry between non-phos phorylated chitosan and phosphorylated chitosan was evaluated according to the times, degree of deacetylation (DAC), pH and phosphorus contents. The phosphorylated chitosan showed higher chelation efficiency on radiomercury than that of non-phophory lated chitosan (P<0.0l).
In spite of different times, DAC and pH, the phophorylated chito san was no specific differences in absorption efficiency with DAC and phosphorus content (P>0.05). And, the non-phosphorylated chitosan was higher chelation efficiency on radiomercury according to increased DAC and times (P<0.01)
After contaminated radiomercury (0.005 μCi/b.w(g)) through oral, intraperitoneal and intravenous injection, the phophorylated chitosan and chitosanoligosaccharide was fed through the same route as above. Only the feces of the oral contaminated was effective (P<0.01)
For the observation of suppression effect on radiomercury transfer through milk, the mother mice were orally contaminated with radiomercury (0.005 μCi/b.w(g)), and then 1% chitosanoligo saccharide was orally injected. The chitosanoligosaccharide significantly reduced the milk transfer of radiomercury (P<0.05).
For the observation of suppression effect on the chromosomal aberration, 0.1, 0.5, 1% chitosanoligosaccharide was orally pretreated for 30 days ad libitum. And, mice were orally contaminated with 0.005 μCi/b.w(g) radiomercury. The chitosan oligosaccharide significantly reduced the chromosomal aberration caused by radiomercury (P<0.05).
It was concluded that the chitosanoligosaccharide was a nontoxic material in parts of histological and cytogenetic safety. And, the chitosanoligosaccharide effectively excreted radiomercury by feces.