Effect of Graded Levels of Dietary Rubidium on Blood and Tissue Rubidium Concentrations in Rats

Abstract

The effects of graded levels of dietary rubidium (Rb) on blood and tissue Rb concentrations in rats were studied. Fifty-nine 4-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups and fed diets with graded levels of supplemental Rb: 0, 4, 8, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000 ppm (mg/kg diet) for 46 days. The body weight gain was significantly lower in rats fed the 1,000-ppm Rb diet compared to rats fed the 8-ppm Rb diet. Rb concentrations in blood and tissues (brain, heart, liver and kidney) were significantly lower in rats fed the 0 and 4-ppm Rb diets compared to rats given the 8-ppm Rb diet. Rb concentrations in blood and tissues were significantly higher in rats fed the 25, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000-ppm Rb diets, compared to rats given the 8-ppm Rb diet. These results suggest a dose-effect relationship between dietary Rb and Rb concentrations in blood and tissues.