Main organ morphology and blood analysis after subchronic exposure to xenon in rats

The present study evaluated the effects of subchronic exposure to xenon on the morphology of main extraneuronal organs as well as on blood chemistry a nd counts in rats. Animals were divided into three groups: xenon-exposed (I ), sham-exposed (II) and controls (III). Once placed into a sealed cage, gr oup I was exposed to a mixture of 70% xenon-30% oxygen for 2.5 hours/day fo r a week, while group II was exposed to a mixture of 70% nitrogen-30% oxyge n. Specimens of lung, liver, kidney and adrenal gland for morphological inv estigation and blood samples for laboratory measurements were taken. The re sults showed no significant alterations in main organs apart from slight ch anges in adrenal gland which occurred in both group I and II, suggesting th e responsibility of the restraint stress of the cage. Blood analysis result ed within normal ranges in all soups. In conclusion, the present data indic ate that xenon exposure does not induce significant toxic effects on main o rgans.