Concentration of 17 trace elements in serum and whole blood of plains viscachas (Lagostomus maximus) by ICP-MS, their reference ranges, and their relation to cataract

The reference ranges of the trace elements Al, As, Be, B, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, M n, Mo, Ni, Pb, Li, Rb, Se, Sr, and Zn were determined by inductively couple d plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in sera of a group of free-ranging plai ns viscachas of the pampa grasslands of Argentina. The values were compared with those of a small group of captive plains viscachas of the Zurich Zoo with diabetes and bilateral cataracts. In addition, a method for digestion of whole-blood samples is described for the trace element determination. Si gnificant differences in the concentration of trace elements in the two gro ups of animals are discussed. No correlation was found between the levels o f selenium and of other trace elements compared to the formation of catarac ts.