Distribution of tin in the rat and disturbances in the metabolism of zinc and copper due to repeated exposure to SnCl2.

The effect of stannous chloride on tissue concentrations of zinc and copper was studied in female rats. The animals were subjected to repeated exposure to seven doses given every other day 2 mg Sn/kg, subcutaneously. About 60% of tin 113Sn was retained in the body. Of this amount, about 95% accumulated in the skin and hair. In the remaining organs the tin concentrations corresponded to 2.57 to 0.0001% of the retained dose. In comparison with the control group a 3-fold increase of the content of zinc was found in the liver while a decrease were revealed in the spleen, heart, brain, lungs, and especially in muscle. A statistically significant decrease of the copper content was found in the blood and brain.