Urinary uroporphyrin as an indicator of arsenic exposure in rats

In Mexico there are health problems derived from chronic exposure to arsenic in occupational and/or environmental exposed populations. In occupational exposure it is important to use a biological event in order to avoid adverse effects resulting from over-exposure. The objective of this preliminary study was to determine if a similar response is observed after continuous administration of sodium arsenite (As III) and the time course of uroporphyrin and arsenic excretion in urine in respect to duration of exposure. In spite of the reduction in the magnitude of the response, urinary uroporphyrins expressed as μg uroporphyrin/24 h are a good indicator of arsenic exposure for rats. As(III) is able to induce a similar response to that obtained with As(V).