Individual approach to treatment and cobalt - a new look at an old problem

An individual approach in the cobalt-induced stress dependently hypoxic states properties was analyzed. Effects of cobalt (Co) chloride treatment (30 mg kg bw, 3 h) on metals content (Na, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Mg, Co, Cd and Pb) in femur, plasma, and liver Wistar rats with individual resistance to hypoxia (low resistance LR and high resistance HR) were studied. Effects of cobalt chloride were mediated by individual response to hypoxia factor and reduction of iron, lead and cobalt in the long bones with subsequent accumulation in liver tissue. Regression analysis showed a high dependence of the individual organism’s reactivity from a low content of free Co. Possibly, a parameter of low content of Co in the blood can be used as a test system for assessing individual resistance to hypoxia and subsequent pharmacological correction. Effects of Co in our investigation cause the cadmium accumulation in bones and liver. Effects Co show substantial reduction of erythrocyte membranes resistance to the action of hemolytic agents (osmotic, peroxide and acid) with retaining a high level of total antioxidant capacity in erythrocytes and plasma, but not in liver. Individual constitutional resistance to low oxygen tension may be an important criterion for an individual approach in pharmacotherapy.