Fractionation of vanadium complexes in serum, packed cells and tissues of Wistar rats by means of gel filtration and anion-exchange chromatography.

Male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with [(48)V]vanadium tracer to (1) investigate the distribution of vanadium over different tissues and (2) study the distribution of vanadium over the proteins and peptides in serum, packed cells and homogenates of tissues by means of liquid chromatography experiments (size exclusion, ion exchange). Target organs were primarily kidney, bone, spleen and liver. In serum we found that vanadium was mainly bound to transferrin; however, a small amount was also bound to albumin.

Behaviour of vanadate and vanadium-transferrin complex on different anion-exchange columns. Application to in vivo 48V-labelled rat serum.

The behaviour of free [48V]vanadate and [48V]vanadium-transferrin complex was investigated on five different anion-exchange columns (Mono Q 5/5 HR, Hitrap Q HP, Sepharose Q FF, Sepharose DEAE FF and Hitrap Q XL). The recovery of both V-compounds was quantitative. The peak shape and retention time of vanadate varied according to the type of column.

Fractionation of vanadium in urine of Wistar rats as a function of time after intraperitoneal injection.

[(48)V]Vanadium was intraperitoneally injected into Wistar rats. Urine and feces were collected at regular intervals (n=19) between 1 and 144 h after injection. In case of urine, maximal excretion (V activity/ml urine) of vanadium was seen 3 h after injection.