Toxicity of antimony to plants: effects on metabolism of N and S in a rice plant

Excess antimony (Sb) has been shown to damage plant growth. Rice plants readily absorb a large amount of Sb after a long period of flooding, yet the mechanisms underlying Sb toxicity in plants have not been solved. This study was conducted to explore the effects of Sb on the uptake of N and S, and monitor the concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) and enzymes associated with these processes. In addition, we analyzed differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) correlated with amino acids (AAs) and oligopeptides, specifically DEMs containing sulfur (S), GSH and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The results showed that antimonite [Sb(III)] inhibited shoot growth whereas antimonate [Sb(V)] stimulated shoot growth. Interestingly, Sb(III)