Storage and elimination of titanium, aluminum, and vanadium salts, in vivo.

Hamsters were injected with titanium, aluminum, and vanadium salts either intraperitoneally or intramuscularly to study the transport, storage, and elimination of these metals. Blood samples were taken at 4 h or 24 h, and urine samples were taken at 24, 48, and 72 h. The hamsters were then injected weekly for 5 weeks after the initial injection. Blood and portions of the kidneys, liver, lung, and spleen were taken at sacrifice. All samples were analyzed for titanium, aluminum, and vanadium concentrations using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). Titanium was found not to be excreted in the urine, was found in low levels in the blood, and was elevated over control in the kidney, liver, and spleen. Aluminum detection via GFAAS showed wide standard deviations and high levels in controls; however, aluminum was found to be excreted in the urine, and to be transported by the blood in the experimental animals. A small amount accumulated in the liver and spleen. Vanadium was excreted in high levels in the urine. A small amount was found in the blood, and the level in the organs was below the reliable detection limits. The rapid excretion of vanadium might be related to its solubility in physiological conditions, while the limited excretion of titanium may be related to its being insoluble in the physiologic environment.