Background and purpose: Despite the widespread use of silver nanoparticles, there are concerns about their biological effects on the environment and human health. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effect of Ag+ nanoparticles on liver tissue and enzyme activities in NMRI mice. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, thirty five female NMRI mice were randomly divided into one control group and four experimental groups (n=7). The experimental mice, silver nanoparticles at concentrations of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg kg were injected intraperitoneally (Every other day). Blood samples were taken from the inner corners of the eyes of mice and after separating the serum, liver enzyme activities were analyses. At the end of study, all animals were euthanized via cervical dislocation and tissue samples stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathology evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software (P≤0.05) Results: Histopathological examination showed that different concentrations of Ag+ nanoparticles cause mild to severe injury (necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and vacuolar degeneration) of the liver. The results showed that the activity of liver enzymes compared to the control group in all groups at a concentration of 400 mg/kg significantly (P≤0.05) increased. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that exposure to the different concentrations of Ag+ nanoparticles can cause severe damages in the mice's liver and increase of serum enzyme activities.

Keywords: NMRI mice, silver nanoparticles, transaminase, necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration

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