Tributyltin chloride disrupts glucose and lipid homeostasis on Wistar male rats

Abstract

Tributyltin chloride is still a relevant water and seafood pollutant, as reported for some sites of Mediterranean and Iberian coastal waters. We evaluated TBT metabolic effect in Wistar male rats, after administration of a repeated oral dose of 8.5mg/L in ethanol 0.25%, during 28 days, according to DIR96/54/EC. Groups of six animals, individually caged, were daily observed for fast blood glycaemia and semi-quantitative urine analysis. Glycaemic levels were significantly lower on the test group along the assay, showing a tendency for fasting hypoglycaemia. Urine analysis showed the presence of ketonic bodies in test group during the treatment. At the end of test period, animals were euthanized and serum analysis was performed revealing a significant increment of cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol (9.3% and 6.7%, respectively) and a non-significant increment on triglycerides content. These results suggest that TBT disrupted glucose and lipid homeostasis. Accordingly, and considering TBT a new member of environmental obesogen family, it is most relevant to reassess the effect of chronic exposure to low doses of this pollutant.