Abstract: There are currently no published methods for the controlled introduction of microplastic particles into the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as an animal model. The aim of this pilot study was to establish a novel rabbit-based experimental model for assessing the impact of microplastic particles by evaluating the physiological and biochemical responses to an eight-day oral administration of polystyrene latex (1 and 5 mg/kg/b.w./day), providing a foundation for future studies. This study was also aimed at evaluating the possibility of using Raman spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to analyze the distribution of microplastics in rabbit samples. We observed a dose-dependent decrease in water and food consumption in the high-dose (5 mg/kg) study group. In addition, a decrease in alanine aminotransferase and total calcium levels, along with an increase in phosphorus levels, was detected. The rabbit’s stomach was the only organ where polystyrene microparticles were identified, with the colon, kidneys, ovaries, and uterus not showing any evidence of polystyrene presence. The selected doses of microplastics did not lead to pronounced toxic effects in rabbits and may be used on larger animal samples. Physiological and biochemical data obtained indicate predominantly negative metabolic shifts associated with the intake of microplastics, which warrants further study.

Cite: Blazhenko A. , Mikhel A. , Kostina M. , Goikhman M. , Chelushkin P. , Korenevsky A.
In Vivo Effects of Polystyrene Microparticles on Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): A Pilot Study
Microplastics. 2026. V.5. N2. 94 . DOI: 10.3390/microplastics5020094 РИНЦ

Dates:

Submitted:	Mar 6, 2026
Accepted:	May 8, 2026
Published print:	May 15, 2026

Identifiers:

≡ Elibrary:

90438860

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