title: Free-ranging domestic cats are characterized by increased metal content in reproductive tissues.
abstract: Trace metals may be supportive to mammalian reproduction but also reveal certain toxicities. The present study investigated the content of selected metals (Ca, Cd, Cu, Mn, Mg, Ni, Pb, Zn) in uterine and testicular tissue of free-ranging and household cats and its relation with hair metal status, cats' age, weight, physical activity, diet and inhabited environment. Free-rangers and cats not fed by humans were characterized by higher concentrations of essential metals in their reproductive tissues as well as increased levels of toxic elements, particularly Cd and Ni. No difference in metal status was found for household individuals fed on different varieties of commercial food. Cats inhabiting urbanized areas were characterized by higher Pb levels in their reproductive system. Feline hair was found to be less, if at all, susceptible to environmental, lifestyle and dietary variables and most importantly, did not reflect a metal burden in reproductive tissues.
authors: Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland. Electronic address: rzymskipiotr@ump.edu.pl.
authors: Piotr
authors: P
authors: Rzymski
authors: Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
authors: Przemysław
authors: P
authors: Niedzielski
authors: Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Poniedziałek
authors: Department of Mother's and Child's Health, Gynecologic and Obstetrical University Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
authors: Paweł
authors: P
authors: Rzymski
authors: Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland; Veterinary Clinic, Zbąszyńska Street 26, Poznań, Poland.
authors: Joanna
authors: J
authors: Pacyńska
authors: Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
authors: Lidia
authors: L
authors: Kozak
authors: State Veterinary Inspection, Poznań, Poland.
authors: Piotr
authors: P
authors: Dąbrowski
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001822:Body Burden; D002415:Cats; D004032:Diet; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000378:metabolism*; D057805:Pets; D012098:Reproduction; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism*; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy
keywords: Cadmium; Feline; Hair analysis; Household animal; Lead; Reproductive system; Trace metals