Behavior and toxicity of antimony in the short-tailed field vole (Microtus agrestis). 1991

N Ainsworth, and J A Cooke, and M S Johnson
School of Biology, Sunderland Polytechnic, England.

Laboratory experiments were undertaken to study uptake and retention of antimony and to investigate whether the elevated organ antimony concentrations found previously in a population of Microtus agrestis at a contaminated site could cause harmful effects. Antimony trioxide in the diet produced elevated organ concentrations, but even in a 60-day experiment no harmful effects were evident. An equilibrium between uptake and excretion of antimony seemed to be rapidly established and progressive increases in organ concentrations did not occur. When dietary intake was terminated antimony was rapidly cleared. Comparison of findings from the laboratory and field suggested that inhalation was an additional route of intake in the field. It seems that present levels of antimony are unlikely to cause toxic effects in the wild population.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007668 Kidney Body organ that filters blood for the secretion of URINE and that regulates ion concentrations. Kidneys
D008099 Liver A large lobed glandular organ in the abdomen of vertebrates that is responsible for detoxification, metabolism, synthesis and storage of various substances. Livers
D008168 Lung Either of the pair of organs occupying the cavity of the thorax that effect the aeration of the blood. Lungs
D003411 Arvicolinae A subfamily of MURIDAE found nearly world-wide and consisting of about 20 genera. Voles, lemmings, and muskrats are members. Clethrionomys,Cricetidae,Dicrostonyx,Lemmings,Lemmus,Mice, Red-Backed,Microtinae,Microtus,Muskrats,Ondatra,Voles,Arvicolines,Microtines,Mouse, Red-Backed,Myodes,Ondatra zibethicus,Arvicoline,Lemming,Mice, Red Backed,Microtine,Mouse, Red Backed,Muskrat,Red-Backed Mice,Red-Backed Mouse,Vole
D004032 Diet Regular course of eating and drinking adopted by a person or animal. Diets
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D000965 Antimony A metallic element that has the atomic symbol Sb, atomic number 51, and atomic weight 121.75. It is used as a metal alloy and as medicinal and poisonous salts. It is toxic and an irritant to the skin and the mucous membranes.

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