Objective: To study La accumulation and microstructure change of leg bones of rats fed with La(NO(3))(3) in low dosage for a long term.
Methods: After the rats were fed by La(NO(3))(3) in dosage of 2 mg x (kg(-1) x d(-1)) for 6 months, the contents of La and Ca,P in the leg bones were determined by ICP MS and spectrophotometry; the microstructure changes of the leg bones were investigated by electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction.
Results: In the leg bones of tested rats, the contents of La and P increased greatly, and those of Ca did not change obviously, so that Ca/P ratio values decreased in comparison with the control group.
Conclusion: La was accumulatied in the rat leg bones and the change of bone microstructure induced after the rats were fed with La(NO(3))(3) in low dosage for a long term.