REVIEW OF METABOLISM AND TOXICOLOGY OF NICKEL

Abstract

Although Ni is an essential element for animal nutrition, its physiological role is not yet established. Pathological alterations of Ni metabolism are recognized in several human diseases. The diverse clinical manifestations of Ni toxicology include: acute pneumonitis from Ni carbonyl inhalation, chronic rhinitis and sinusitis from Ni aerosal inhalation, cancers of nasal cavities and lungs in Ni workers and dermatitis and other hypersensitive reactions from cutaneous and parenteral exposures to Ni alloys. The toxicity, carcinogenicity and embryotoxicity of Ni compounds in experimental animals are reviewed; consideration is given to the therapeutic use of chelating drugs in Ni poisoning.