Skip to main content

Chromium Toxicokinetics

  • Chapter
Toxicology of Metals

Part of the book series: Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology ((HEP,volume 115))

Abstract

Chromium (Cr) toxicokinetics is the toxicokinetics of two different oxidation states, Cr(III) and Cr(VI), linked by reduction processes that are ubiquitous in body fluids and tissues. The kinetic behaviors of these two major oxidation states of chromium are very different. Reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in the body, the lung, and the gastrointestinal tract is sufficiently rapid that bulk chromium kinetics may be considered to be the kinetics of Cr(III). However, certain detectable differences in chromium disposition depend upon whether exposure is to a Cr(III) or a Cr(VI) salt. In addition, the reduction process itself is of interest relative to the carcinogenicity of Cr(VI) in the lung. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the toxicokinetics of chromium must include the disposition of both Cr(III) and Cr(VI).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Alexander J, Mikalsen A, Ryberg D (1986) Microsomal reduction of Cr VI. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 59:267–269

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson RA (1986) Chromium metabolism and its role in disease processes in man. Clin Physiol Biochem 4:31–41

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson RA, Kozlovsky AS (1985) Chromium intake, absorption and excretion of subjects consuming self-selected diets. Am J Clin Nutr 41:1177–1183

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson RA, Polansky MM, Bryden NA, Roginski EE, Mertz W, Glinsmann W (1983) Chromium supplementation of human subjects:effects on glucose, insulin, and lipid variables. Metabolism 32:894–899

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson RA, Polansky MM, Bryden NA, Canary J (1987) Supplemental chromium effects on glucose, insulin, glucagon, and urinary chromium losses in subjects consuming controlled low-chromium diets. Am J Clin Nutr 54:909–916

    Google Scholar 

  • Appenroth D, Bräunlich H (1988) Age dependent differences in sodium dichromate nephrotoxicity in rats. Exp Pathol 33:179 - 185

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Banks RB, Cooke RT Jr (1986) Chromate reduction by rabbit liver aldehyde oxidase. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 137:8–14

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Becker N, Claude J, Frenzel-Beyme R (1985) Cancer risk of arc welders exposed to fumes containing chromium and nickel. Scand J Work Environ Health 11:75–82

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bianchi V, Levis AG (1988) Review of genetic effects and mechanisms of action of chromium compounds. Sci Total Environ 71:351–355

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bishop C, Surgenor M (eds) (1964) The red blood cell:a comprehensive treatise. Academic, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Bragt PC, van Dura EA (1983) Toxicokinetics of hexavalent chromium in the rat after intratracheal administration of Chromates of different solubilities. Ann Occup Hyg 27:315–322

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cavalleri A, Minoia C, Richelmi P, Baldi C, Micoli G (1985) Determination of total and hexavalent chromium in bile after intravenous administration of potassium dichromate in rats. Environ Res 37:490–496

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen NSC, Tsai A, Dyer IA (1973) Effect of chelating agents on chromium absorption in rats. J Nutr 103:1182–1186

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cikrt M, Bencko V (1979) Biliary excretion and distribution of 51Cr(III) and 51Cr(VI) in rats. J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol 23:241–246

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DeBetto P, Luciani S (1988) Toxic effect of chromium on cellular metabolism. Sci Total Environ 71:365–377

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DeFlora S, Badolati GS, Serra D, Picciotto A, Magnolia MR, Savarino V (1987) Circadian reduction of chromium in the gastric environment. Mutat Res 192:169–174

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DeFlora S, Bagnasco M, Serra D, Zanacchi P (1990) Genotoxicity of chromium compounds. A review. Mutat Res 238:99–172

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Donaldson RM Jr, Barreras RF (1966) Intestinal absorption of trace quantities of chromium. J Lab Clin Med 68:484–493

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Edel J, Sabbioni E (1985) Pathways of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in the rat after intratracheal administration. Hum Toxicol 4:409–416

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Evans GW (1989) The effect of chromium picolinate on insulin controlled parameters in humans. Int J Biosoc Med Res 11:163–180

    Google Scholar 

  • Fornace AJ, Seres DS, Lechner JF, Harris CC (1981) DNA-protein cross-linking by chromium salts. Chem Biol Interact 36:345–354

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Franchini I, Mutti A (1988) Selected toxicological aspects of chromium ( VI) compounds. Sci Total Environ 71:379–387

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gad SC (1989) Acute and chronic systemic chromium toxicity. Sci Total Environ 86:149–157

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gibb H, Chen C (1989) Evaluation of issues relating to the carcinogen risk assessment of chromium. Sci Total Environ 86:181–186

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goyer RA (1990) Environmentally related diseases of the urinary tract. Environ Med 74:377–389

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gray SJ, Sterling K (1950) The tagging of red cells and plasma proteins with radioactive chromium. J Clin Invest 29:1604–1613

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gumbleton M, Nicholls PJ (1988) Dose-response and time-response biochemical and histological study of potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity in the rat. Food Chem Toxicol 26:37–44

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hahn CJ, Evans GW (1975) Absorption of trace metals in the zinc-deficient rat. Am J Physiol 228:1020–1023

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hathaway JA (1989) Role of epidemiologic studies in evaluating the carcinogenicity of chromium compounds. Sci Total Environ 86:169–179

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hopkins LL Jr (1965) Distribution in the rat of physiological amounts of injected Cr51(III) with time. Am J Physiol 209:731–735

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hopkins LL Jr, Schwarz K (1964) Chromium ( III) binding to serum proteins, specifically siderophilin. Biochim Biophys Acta 90:484–491

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ivankovic S, Preussmann R (1975) Absence of toxic and carcinogenic effects after administration of high doses of chromic oxide pigment in sub-acute and long-term feeding experiments in rats. Food Cosmet Toxicol 13:347–351

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kawanishi S, Inoue S, Sano S (1986) Mechanism of DNA cleavage induced by sodium chromate ( VI) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. J Biol Chem 261:5952–5958

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kraintz L, Talmage RV (1952) Distribution of radioactivity following intravenous administration of trivalent chromium 51 in the rat and rabbit. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 81:490–492

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LangĂĄrd S (1990) One hundred years of chromium and cancer:a review of epidemiological evidence and selected case reports. Am J Ind Med 17:189–215

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • LangĂĄrd S, Gundersen N, Tsalev DL, Gylseth B (1978) Whole blood chromium level and chromium excretion in the rat after zinc chromate inhalation. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol 42:142–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacKenzie RD, Byerrum RU, Decker CF, Hoppert CA, Langham RF (1958) Chronic toxicity studies. II. Hexavalent and trivalent chromium administered in drinking water to rats. AMA Arch Ind Health 18:232–234

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • MacKenzie RD, Anwar RA, Byerrum RU, Hoppert CA (1959) Absorption and distribution of Cr51 in the albino rat. Arch Biochem Biophys 79:200–205

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mertz W (1969) Chromium occurrence and function in biological systems. Physiol Rev 49:163–239

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mertz W, Roginski EE (1971) Chromium metabolism:the glucose tolerance factor. In:Mertz W, Cornatzer WE (eds) Newer trace elements in nutrition. Dekker, New York, pp 123–153

    Google Scholar 

  • Mertz W, Roginski EE, Reba RC (1964) Biological activity and fate of trace quantities of intravenous chromium ( III) in the rat. Am J Physiol 209:489–494

    Google Scholar 

  • Mossop RT (1983) Effects of chromium (III) on fasting glucose, cholesterol and cholesterol HDL levels in diabetics. Cent Afr J Med 29:80–82

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • National Research Council (1989) RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance), 10th edn. National Academy Press, Washington

    Google Scholar 

  • Norseth T, Alexander J, Aaseth J, Langard S (1982) Biliary excretion of chromium in the rat:a role of glutathione. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (copenh) 51:450–455

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Petrilli FL, De Flora S (1988) Metabolic reduction of chromium as a threshold mechanism limiting its in vivo activity. Sci Total Environ 71:357–364

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Raithel HJ, Schaller KH, Reith A, Svenes KB, Valentin H (1988) Investigations on the quantitative determination of nickel and chromium in human lung tissue. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 60:55–66

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Riales R, Albrink MJ (1981) Effect of chromium chloride supplementation on glucose tolerance and serum lipids including high density lipoprotein of adult men. Am J Clin Nutr 34:2670–2678

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rossi SC, Wetterhahn KE (1989) Chromium ( V) is produced upon reduction of chromate by mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes. Carcinogenesis 10:913–921

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stern RM (1983) Assessment of risk of lung cancer for welders. Arch Environ Health 38:148–155

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tsapakos MJ, Wetterhahn KE (1983) The interaction of chromium with nucleic acids. Chem Biol Interact 46:265–277

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Verschoor MA, Bragt PC, Herber RFM, Zielhuis RL, Zwennis WCM (1988) Renal function of chrome-plating workers and welders. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 60:67–70

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Visek WJ, Whitney IB, Kuhn USG III, Comar CL (1953) Metabolism of Cr51 by animals as influenced by chemical state. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 84:610–615

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang MM, Fox EA, Stoecker BJ, Menendez CE, Chan SB (1989) Serum cholesterol of adults supplemented with brewer’s yeast or chromium chloride. Nutr Res 9:989–998

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weber H (1983) Long-term study of the distribution of soluble chromate-51 in the rat after a single intratracheal administration. J Toxicol Environ Health 11:749–764

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wetterhahn KE, Hamilton JW (1989) Molecular basis of hexavalent chromium carcinogenicity:effect on gene expression. Sci Total Environ 86:113–129

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Witmer CM, Harris R (1991) Chromium content of bone after oral and intraperitoneal (ip) administration of chromium (VI) to rats (Abstr). Toxicologist 11:41

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization (1988) Environmental health criteria 61:chromium. IPCS International Programme on Chemical Safety. World Health Organization, Geneva

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1995 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

O’Flaherty, E.J. (1995). Chromium Toxicokinetics. In: Goyer, R.A., Cherian, M.G. (eds) Toxicology of Metals. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, vol 115. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-79162-8_10

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-79162-8_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-79164-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-79162-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics