EFFECTS OF ARSENIC(V) CHROMIUM(III) INTERACTION ON PLASMA-GLUCOSE ANDCHOLESTEROL LEVELS IN GROWING RATS

Recent studies have demonstrated interaction between arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) affecting absorption and/or protein catabolism. In the p resent study the possible effects of As(V)/Cr(III) interaction on grow th rate, organ weight, and the two main organic functions of Cr, i.e., regulation of plasma glucose levels and total plasma cholesterol leve ls, was examined in weaned male Wistar rats. The diet of 20 rats was s upplemented with 5 mu g of As(V) and/or Cr(III) per gram of food for 1 0 weeks. As/Cr interaction did not significantly affect growth rates o r organ weight:body weight ratios but did decrease total plasma choles terol levels, though the decrease was not as pronounced as in the grou p supplemented with Cr alone (p < 0.1). Since supplementation with As( V) produced the opposite effect (96.83 vs. 47.27) (p < 0.01), the comb ined use of As and Cr may prove beneficial in cases of chronic As(V) i ntoxication. Supplementation treatment with As(V) and Cr(III) combined had no significant effect on glucose levels, because though As(V) aff ects Cr tissue levels and thus alters the effect of Cr on plasma chole sterol levels, individual effects of As(V) and Cr(III) are similar, an d hence basal glucose levels are unaffected.