Heavy Metal Accumulation in the Uterine Tissue and Circulation of Free-Ranging Domestic Cats (Felis catus)

Reproductive tissues may serve as important sites for heavy metal accumulation, potentially resulting in adverse biological effects. The present study aimed to investigate the distribution of selected heavy metals in the blood and uterine tissues of free-ranging cats. Blood and uterine samples were collected from cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy, and concentrations of essential (Fe, Mn, Se, Zn, and Cu) and non-essential metals (Al, As, Cd, and Pb) were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results demonstrated significantly higher concentrations of Mn (223.60 +/- 19.21; P = 0.000), Se (2292.70 +/- 18.95; P = 0.016), Zn (2292.70 +/- 18.95; P = 0.000), and Cu (4286.80 +/- 51.23; P = 0.000) in uterine tissues compared with blood. Furthermore, concentrations of Al (1885.10 +/- 74.86; P = 0.000), As (983.00 +/- 23.93; P = 0.002), and Pb (3039.95 +/- 21.01; P = 0.001) were significantly higher in postpubertal free-ranging cats with increasing age. These findings suggest that free-ranging animals, due to their close proximity to human environments, may be particularly vulnerable to environmental contamination. Accordingly, female reproductive tissues may serve as valuable biomatrices for assessing heavy metal exposure and accumulation.