Abstract:
The uptake of gold in different tissues of female mice and their offspring after
prolonged oral administration of gold nanoparticles to the females during pregnancy and
lactation was investigated. Gold content in different organs was determined using neutron
activation analysis. The highest content of gold was accumulated in kidneys followed by
liver, lungs, blood and brain. Accumulation of gold in brain confirms ability of
nanoparticles to pass through placental and blood-brain barriers. The average specific
mass content of gold which crossed the blood-brain barrier was 3.8 ng/g (for female) and
1.1 ng/g (for offspring). The results are important for research on developmental and
reproductive toxicity and safety of nanomaterials.