Analysis of the effect of toxic chemicals on the physiological parameters of experimental animals

Abstract

Titanium and its alloys are widely used in modern supersonic aircraft and rockets, submarines
and ships, in the chemical and food industries, as well as in other areas of modern technology. In
the process of obtaining titanium from ore, workers may be exposed to titanium metal dust (Ti) and
titanium dioxide (TiO
2
), highly toxic chemical compounds – gaseous titanium tetrachloride (TiC1
4
),
its hydrolysis products, chlorine and phosgene vapors. The study of the influence of titanium produc-
tion conditions on the body was carried out at the Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant
(JSC UKTMP) of Kazakhstan, one of the largest enterprises for the production of titanium. To study
the behavioral reactions of rodents under the influence of harmful components of the production of
magnesium, titanium and their compounds, the «Open field» test was carried out. This test refers to
methods that study conditionally unconditioned reflexes. Sexually mature white rats of the Wister line,
weighing 180-220 g, were used as a model object; experimental animals were placed on the territory
of three main workshops. The motor and emotional behaviors of experimental animals were studied.
The assessment of motor activity indicators was determined using such indicators as locomotion and
standing, and emotional activity was determined by the number of grooming and boluses (urination
and defecation). As a result of the experiment, a unidirectional change in physiological parameters was
revealed in animals that were on the territory of JSC «UK TMP» shops, and the quantitative characteristics of physiological processes were different – more pronounced in shop No. 1 (Shop «Magnesium»)
and less – in shop No. 3 (Shop «Titanium Sponge»).
Key words: titanium-magnesium production; experimental animals, physical activity, emotional ac-
tivity.