Changes in the contents of Fe and Zn in the body of simulated seasickness adaptation rats

Objective To observe changes in the contents of Fe and Zn in the brain, liver, kidney and plasma in rats with simulated seasickness. Methods A seasickness simulator was used to induce seasickness and pica was used as an indicator. The rats were then randomly divided into 2 groups: the normal control group (n = 12) and the simulated seasickness group (n = 24). The rats in the seasickness group received angular acceleration for 3 h/d in the simulator. Then, the 24 rats were sacrificed in 4 batches on day 1, 3, 7 and 21 respectively, following simulated seasickness. Contents of Fe and Zn in the brain, liver, kidney and plasma were measured with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Results When compared with those of the control group, contents of Fe in the brain and plasma all decreased following onset of seasickness, with more significant decrease in the content of Fe on day 1 in particular, following simulated seasickness. The contents of Zn in brain were also significantly lower than those of the control group, following seasickness simulation on day 1. Conclusions The contents of Fe in plasma, the contents of Fe and Zn in brain decreased significantly at the onset of seasickness. Key words: Seasickness;  Iron;  Zinc;  Rats