Aim of the study was to investigate the chemical composition of Shungite saturated water as well as to identify its effect on the development of the Wistar line white rat embryos.
Material and methods. 16 Wistar line adult rats and 121 embryos were used in the study. Shungite stones of two different brands were placed in the plain drinking water according to instructions. The experimental rats were given Shungite saturated tapped water, while control rats were given tapped water. All the rats were mated following standard mating procedures. At the 21st day of gestation, rats were anaesthetized; embryos were dissected from the uterus and examined for weight, height and uterine resorptions. The embryos were fixed in 96% alcohol solution (to detect ossification abnormalities) and Bouin's solution (to identify internal and external defects).
Results. The concentration of Cd, Cu, Mn, Al, Zn and Ni increased after Shungite saturation. Also, it was found that the embryos from the experimental group were shorter than those of the control group (p<0.05). Maternal rats from the experimental group had uterine resorptions that accounted for 10.44% of the embryos. Microscopic rat embryo examination revealed no internal or external developmental defects or skeletal abnormalities.
Conclusions. Shungite saturated water influences growth and development of the rat embryos: we observed an increase in foetal embryo mortality as well as a decrease in offspring body length.
Keywords: shungite, water, heavy metals, the offspring of rats.
