ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in trace elements such as Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) levels in rat tissues, body weights and liver weights dependent on nicotine exposure, and discuss the protective effect of celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. We injected to rats at 1.5 mg/kg (ip) dose nicotine for 7 days period and observed effect of nicotine on trace element levels, body weights and liver weights of rats. Nicotine treatment reduced body weights. Alterations on body weight may be a consequence of reduced food intake and an increase in the amount of energy consumption due to metabolic changes. In addition we found that weights of the liver in the nicotine group were significantly lower than that in the control group. Nicotine treatment increased copper and zinc levels in all tissues. Increases of tissue Cu and Zn levels and serum Zn levels may depend on stimulation of defence system against nicotine exposure.