Toxicological effects of silver nanoparticles in rats

Toxicity of nanoparticles depends on chemical composition, atomic arrangement and particle size. Silver is being widely used in consumer medical products, due to its uniqueness such as antimicrobial activity. In this study, we assessed the toxic effects of size-silver nanoparticles 70 nanometer in rat's living tissues, with different doses such as 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg body weight on kidney, liver and spleen tissues via oral gavage for 30 days. Adverse impacts on liver, spleen and kidney were observed in a high dose-treated group (1 and 2 mg/kg), when determined by histopathological analysis. Pathological examination showed tissue damages, bloodshed, cell necrosis and apoptosis from all rat in high dose group compared to control group. Based on these results, it is suggested that the effect of nanosilver particles on the tissues may cause organ toxicity in rats.