Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Absorption Rate in the Heart Tissue of Female Mice

Nanotechnology researchers have identified a wide range of nanoparticle applications that may have an important role in medicine and treatment of diseases. Due to lack of detailed documentation about the toxicology of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, this study was aimed to evaluate the absorption of ZnO nanoparticles in hearts of female NMRI mice. Overall, 20 adult NMRI female mice were studied in experimental and control groups. ZnO nanoparticles with concentration of 100 and 300 mg/kg were administered in the drinking water for 28 days and the mice were dissected after 28 days. Then, the heart tissues were isolated and dissolved in acid and the amount of ZnO deposited into the heart tissue was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. ZnO nanoparticles treatment groups were significantly influenced by the nanoparticles compared with the control group. The experimental group 1 and 2 had a significant increase in ZnO NPs absorption in heart tissue compared to the control group (P<0.01). Due to the physiological similarities between mice and humans, the results of this study can be applied in prevention of the cardiac damage during the consumption of ZnO NPs.