The influence of chronic stress on the content of essential macro - and micro-elements in the blood serum and pancreas of female rats and their offspring

Abstract

We studied the dynamics of macro- and microelement content in blood serum and pancreatic tissue of female rats and their offspring under experimental combined stress conditions. Objective. To investigate the changes in the content of essential macro- and microelements (Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu) in the blood serum and pancreatic tissue of pregnant female rats exposed to experimentally induced combined stress, as well as in their prenatal offspring. Materials and Methods. The experiment was conducted on white laboratory female rats subjected daily to prolonged immobilization of varying duration combined with irregular feeding schedules, which caused additional stress exposure. The offspring of both experimental and control groups received balanced nutrition and were kept under standard vivarium conditions. The levels of macro- and microelements (Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn, Cu) were determined spectrophotometrically using a Stat Fax biochemical analyzer (USA) at wavelengths of 540–580 nm. Statistical analysis was performed using Biostat.exe (2008) and Statistica 10 software. Results. Chronic combined stress induced a significant disturbance of mineral homeostasis in both intra- and extracellular compartments. A tendency toward decreased levels of Ca, Mg, and Zn in pancreatic tissue was observed, which did not correspond to the dynamics of these parameters in blood serum. This indicates a dissociation between cellular and systemic regulation of mineral metabolism under prolonged stress conditions. Conclusions. The imbalance of macro- and microelements induced by chronic combined stress results from activation of a complex neurohumoral response—increased production of stress hormones, altered neurotransmitter ratios, and disruption of trophic regulation in tissues. These processes contribute to pancreatic cell injury and may serve as a pathophysiological basis for the subsequent development of chronic pancreatitis.