Abstract
Mineral status and plasma biochemical parameters in rats with rubidium depletion were studied. The supplemental level of rubidium was based on the rubidium concentration found in commercial animal diets. Male Wistar rats, 4 weeks old, were fed a rubidium-supplemented (8.12mg Rb/kg) or nonsupplemented (0.54mg Rb/kg) diet for 11 weeks. Compared with the rats fed the rubidium-supplemented diet, those fed the rubidium-nonsupplemented diet had a lower rubidium concentration in their tissues. They showed higher potassium levels in plasma, kidney and tibia, but a lower level in testis. They had a lower phosphorus level in heart and spleen, a lower calcium level in spleen, and a higher magnesium level in tibia. They had a higher urea nitrogen level in plasma. These results suggest that the rubidium concentration in tissues reflects rubidium intake, and that rubidium depletion affects mineral (potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium) status.
