Toxicological Effects of Silver Nanoparticles in Rats’ Lung

Introduction: Nanotechnology deals with structures that their dimensions are approximately between 1 to 100 nanometers. Research has shown that the composition, shape and different sizes of nanosilver make the features that possess different toxic effects compared with the chemicals with same but larger composition (microsilver). Nanosilver is associated with cell division, oxidative stress, and apoptosis or cell death. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of nanosilver on lung tissues. Methods: In this study, 50 adult male Wistar rats were examined in two groups of experimental and control. 70 nm silver nanoparticles with four different concentrations 0. 25, 0.5,1 and 2 mg kg-1 were orally administered for 30 days. To investigate the pathological changes after 30 days, the lung tissue of mice in each group was apart and kept in formalin for histopathological examination. After molding and cutting, template samples were stained with H &E staining method. Then slides were observed by invert microscope. Results: According to the results, the high-dose groups(N4, N5) showed more pathological effects compared with other groups(N2, N3) and controls. In general, the effect of silver nanoparticles on lung tissue was significant and the resulting changes revealed cell and tissue damage. Conclusion: The toxicity of silver nanoparticles, administrated orally for 30 days in the experimental groups, was investigated that showed its harmful effect on lung tissue determined by pathological examination