Complexes of Aluminium(III) with Biologically Important Ligands

Abstract

A great interest to the study of the coordination of Aluminum(III) cation with various ligands of biological and/or environmental importance emerged because: (a) Aluminum(III) ion is associated with many neurotoxic conditions, well-known dementias and osteodystrophy [1]. High levels of aluminum were found in the brain of patients suffering from the Alzheimer’s disease, in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing treatment with large quantities of aluminum hydroxide phosphate-binding gels and in aluminum ball mill workers. (b) Aluminum has also been associated with anaemia [2]. The reason that Al(III)-induces anaemia is not well known. This particular anaenia is characterised by normal iron levels and reduced size of red blood cells (microcytosis). Aluminum(III) ion interferes with the synthesis of haemoglobin by lowering its levels, (c) Among the acute toxic effects of aluminum in animals are gastrointestinal disturbance, skin lesions and nervous affictions [1]. Parathyroid hormone increases gastrointestinal aluminum absorption on rats and changes its tissue distribution: increases aluminum levels in bones, kidney, muscle and the gray matter of brain. (d) Toxid effects of aluminum have been observed in a variety of organisms i.e. bacteria, a number of protozoa, invertebrates and vertebrates [ 1]. On aquatic organisms i.e. algae the effects were detected in the form of retardation of growth and death of cells, (e) The various species differ in their sensitivity to aluminum. In fish aluminum causes gill hyperplasia which ultimately leads to death[ 1].