The morphology of bone tissue under the action of chemical components of copper-zinc pyrite ore in experiment

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system in miners who mine non-ferrous metal ores rank high among diseases with temporary disability. In their blood, oral fluid, hard dental deposits, hair, they have high concentrations of essential and toxic elements contained in ores than in workers of other professions of mining and processing plants. This indicates the entry into the body and accumulation of metals from the industrial aerosol of the working area in the tissues. Osteoporosis in miners is detected much more often and has a correlation with work experience. The aim of the investigation was to study the histological picture and ultrastructure of the bone tissue of experimental animals under prolonged exposure to elements of copper-zinc ore. The experiments were carried out on 36 male rats. Animals of the experimental group received daily intragastrically the suspension of copper-zinc pyrite ore powder in 2% starch solution for three months at the rate of 60 mg/100 g of weight. After 1, 2 and 3 months, the femurs were extracted and the content of Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cr, Sr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Hg in them was studied by atomic absorption spectrometry and also histologically and by electronic microscopy the changes of the structures of the diaphysis and epiphysis including the morphometric parameters (total area of bone trabeculae, transverse size of bone trabeculae and thickness of the articular cartilage, the number of osteocytes and osteons of the diaphysis in the field of view). It has been established that long-term intoxication with a complex of elements contained in copper-zinc pyrite ore causes disruptions in the ultrastructure and micro-architectonics of the lamellar and cancellous tissue in the tubular bones of experimental animals. The destruction of intracellular organelles of osteocytes is revealed, up to their destruction, resorption and thinning of bone plates, increased resorption with the formation of bone erosion, a decrease in bone formation, which increase with an increase in the duration of intoxication. Thus, prolonged intoxication with a complex of elements contained in copper-zinc pyrite ore, by daily medication of small doses of a suspension of ore powder, causes significant disruption of the ultrastructure and micro-architectonics of lamellar and cancellous tissue in the tubular bones of experimental animals.