This study was undertaken to examine the oxidative effects of nickel (Ni) o
n rat blood and bone marrow. Treatment with either 100, 250, or 500 mu mol/
kg Ni ip significantly enhanced lipid peroxidation in serum and bone marrow
after 24 h. The concentrations of Ni and Fe in serum and bone marrow cells
were also significantly increased after NiCl2 administration. After treatm
ent with NiCl2, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and levels o
f alpha-tocopherol in bone marrow cells were markedly reduced. There was an
inverse association thiobarbituric acid elevated (TBA)-chromogen product w
ith decreased GPx activity and alpha-tocopherol levels in bone marrow cells
of NiCl2-treated rats. The concentrations of a-tocopherol in blood signifi
cant reduced with 100 and 250 mu mol/kg Ni but returned to control at the 5
00-mu mol/kg dose. Data suggest that lipid peroxidation may be a contributi
ng factor in Ni-induced tissue oxidative stress.