Main organ morphology and blood analysis after subchronic exposure to xenon in rats

The present study evaluated the effects of subchronic exposure to xenon on the morphology of main extraneuronal organs as well as on blood chemistry and counts in rats. Animals were divided into three groups: xenon-exposed (I), sham-exposed (II) and controls (III). Once placed into a sealed cage, group I was exposed to a mixture of 70% xenon-30% oxygen for 2.5 hours/day for a week, while group II was exposed to a mixture of 70% nitrogen-30% oxygen. Specimens of lung, liver, kidney and adrenal gland for morphological investigation and blood samples for laboratory measurements were taken. The results showed no significant alterations in main organs apart from slight changes in adrenal gland which occurred in both group I and II, suggesting the responsibility of the restraint stress of the cage. Blood analysis resulted within normal ranges in all groups. In conclusion, the present data indicate that xenon exposure does not induce significant toxic effects on main organs.