OBJECTIVE: Study the effects of acute and chronic restraint stress on the whole blood concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single or repeat restraints were applied to mice to induce acute or chronic stress. The levels of elements in whole blood were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: The levels of Fe, Zn, Ca, and Mg in blood in the acute-stress group were 351, 5.05, 60, and 44 microg/ml, respectively, and those in the corresponding control group were 391, 5.90, 59, and 45 microg/ml, respectively. The levels of blood Fe, Zn, Ca, and Mg in the chronic-stress group were 291, 3.62, 59, and 40 microg/ml, respectively, and those in the corresponding control group were 393, 4.82, 48, and 43 microg/ml, respectively. The levels of Fe and Zn in the blood of both the acute-stress and the chronic-stress groups were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that in the control groups. The Ca level in whole blood was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the chronic-stress group than that in the control group. CONCLUSION: Acute and chronic restraint stress can cause changes in blood levels of Fe and Zn in mice.
OBJECTIVE: Study the effects of acute and chronic restraint stress on the whole blood concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single or repeat restraints were applied to mice to induce acute or chronic stress. The levels of elements in whole blood were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: The levels of Fe, Zn, Ca, and Mg in blood in the acute-stress group were 351, 5.05, 60, and 44 microg/ml, respectively, and those in the corresponding control group were 391, 5.90, 59, and 45 microg/ml, respectively. The levels of blood Fe, Zn, Ca, and Mg in the chronic-stress group were 291, 3.62, 59, and 40 microg/ml, respectively, and those in the corresponding control group were 393, 4.82, 48, and 43 microg/ml, respectively. The levels of Fe and Zn in the blood of both the acute-stress and the chronic-stress groups were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that in the control groups. The Ca level in whole blood was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the chronic-stress group than that in the control group. CONCLUSION: Acute and chronic restraint stress can cause changes in blood levels of Fe and Zn in mice.