Highlights
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- Free-ranging cats have higher status of essential and toxic metals in uterine and testis.
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- Higher Pb levels were found in reproductive tissues of cats from urban areas.
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- The metal status in reproductive system was not altered by a type of commercial food.
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- Hair metal content did not reflect concentrations found in reproductive tissues.
Abstract
Trace
metals may be supportive to mammalian reproduction but also reveal
certain toxicities. The present study investigated the content of
selected metals (Ca, Cd, Cu, Mn, Mg, Ni, Pb, Zn) in uterine and
testicular tissue of free-ranging and household cats and its relation
with hair metal status, cats’ age, weight, physical activity, diet and
inhabited environment. Free-rangers and cats not fed by humans were
characterized by higher concentrations of essential metals in their
reproductive tissues as well as increased levels of toxic elements,
particularly Cd and Ni. No difference in metal status was found for
household individuals fed on different varieties of commercial food.
Cats inhabiting urbanized areas were characterized by higher Pb levels
in their reproductive system. Feline hair was found to be less, if at
all, susceptible to environmental, lifestyle and dietary variables and
most importantly, did not reflect a metal burden in reproductive
tissues.
Keywords
- Trace metals;
- Reproductive system;
- Hair analysis;
- Feline;
- Household animal;
- Cadmium;
- Lead
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
