Objective    To investigate the changes of hematologic and urinary parameters and functions of liver and kidney after chronic oral exposure to low-dose  depleted uranium (DU).     Methods    Male and female rats（F

0

generation) were exposed to DU in food at doses of 0

0.4

4 or 40 mg·kg

-1

·d

-1

for 4 months. After 160 days

urine and blood samples were collected and measured.     Results    The number of white cells in blood decreased significantly after 14 months in low-dose group

10 months in medium-dose group

7 months in high-dose group

in F

0

generation

and 10 months in medium-dose and high-dose group in F

1

rats. Then red cells and platelets reduced significantly in DU-ingested groups. Among liver function tests

the concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) declined. The serum creatinine in certain phase increased

but most tests kept in normal levels except proteinuria.     Conclusion    After chronic oral exposure to low-dose depleted uranium

the number of white cells

red cells and platelets in peripheral blood decreases significantly. There is no liver function alteration or substantial kidney function disturbance.