Distribution of molybdenum in soft tissues and blood of rats after intratracheal instillation of molybdenum(IV) sulfide nano- and microparticles

Abstract There is still little literature data on the toxicity and safety of the commonly used molybdenum (Mo) disulfide which is present in the working as well as living environments. Thus, an experiment was carried out involving rats, with single and repeated intratracheal exposure (in the latter case, 7 administrations at 2-week intervals with the analysis performed after 90 days) to lower (1.5 mg Mo kg −1 b.w.) and higher (5 mg Mo kg −1 b.w.) doses of molybdenum(IV) sulfide nanoparticles (MoS 2 -NPs) and microparticles (MoS 2 -MPs). The analysis of Mo concentrations in the tail and heart blood as well as in soft tissues (lung, liver, spleen, brain), after mineralization and bioimaging, was meant to facilitate an assessment of its accumulation and potential effects on the body following short- and long-term exposure. The multi-compartment model with an exponential curve of Mo concentration over time with different half-lives for the distribution and elimination phases of MoS 2 -MPs and MoS 2 -NPs was observed. After 24 h of exposure, a slight increase in Mo concentration in blood was observed. Next, Mo concentration indicated a decrease in blood concentration from 24 h to day 14 (the Mo concentration before the second administration), below the pre-exposure concentration. The next phase was linear, less abrupt and practically flat, but with an increasing trend towards the end of the experiment. Significantly higher Mo concentrations in MoS 2 -NPs and MoS 2 -MPs was found in the lungs of repeatedly exposed rats compared to those exposed to a single dose. The analysis of Mo content in the liver and the spleen tissue showed a slightly higher concentration for MoS 2 -NPs compared to MoS 2 -MPs. The results for the brain were below the calculated detection limit. Results were consistent with results obtained by bioimaging technique.