Synthesis of Silver Nano-particles by Electrochemical Method and the Effects on the Serum Levels of Thyroid Hormones (T3, T4) in Adult Male Rats

Background: Silver nano-particles have anti-fungal properties. In the present study, silver nano-particles were synthesized by electrochemical method and its effects on the serum levels ofT3 and T4 hormones were investigated in adult male rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 28 adult male Wistar rats weighing approximately 180-220g were divided into 4 groups of 7 rats. The control group (no treatment).  The experimental groups 1and 2 received silver intraperitoneal nano-particle doses of 25 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, for 14 days. The nano-aprticles had been synthesized at 75 seconds interval. The experimental group 3 received silver nano-particles that were synthesized at 300 seconds interval with an intraperitoneal dose of 25 mg/kg for 14 days. At the end of this period, blood samples were obtained from the rats’ hearts, and the serum levels of T3 and T4 hormones were measured. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan tests. Results:  At the completion of the study, there was no significant difference in the mean body weights in all experimental groups compared to control group. The results showed that the mean serum levels of T3 hormone in the experimental group1 increased significantly relative to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in the mean serum levels of T4 hormone in all experimental groups compared to that in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Silver nano-particles increased the serum T3 hormone level in male Wistar rats.