Influence of Lichenin and Pectin on Mice During Chronic Intoxication with Cadmium(II) Chloride

Lichenin from thalli of Flavocetraria cucullata and pectin from vegetative mass of Amaranthus retroflexus were isolated. Their monomeric compositions were established. The polysaccharides lichenin and pectin were shown to promote removal of cadmium ions from mice upon chronic intoxication. Increased levels of lipid peroxidation, elevated contents of total low-molecular-mass antioxidants (LMAO), and activation of superoxide dismutase in red blood cells were not observed in experimental groups of mice that received aqueous solutions (1 and 2%) of pectin and lichenin relative to a control. Administration of 1% solutions of lichenin and pectin was shown to be most effective upon chronic intoxication with cadmium(II) chloride. The malondialdehyde content and total LMAO remained at the level of the intact group. This may be due to the fact that 2% solutions of pectin and lichenin had higher viscosities that reduced their in vivo bioavailability in mice.