In vitro cadmium exposure induces structural damage and endothelial dysfunction in female rat aorta

Biometals. 2023 Aug 31. doi: 10.1007/s10534-023-00526-5. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTCadmium is a heavy metal that is widespread in the environment and has been described as a metalloestrogen and a cardiovascular risk factor. Experimental studies conducted in male animals have shown that cadmium exposure induces vascular dysfunction, which could lead to vasculopathies caused by this metal. However, it is necessary to investigate the vascular effects of cadmium in female rats to understand its potential sex-dependent impact on the cardiovascular system. While its effects on male rats have been studied, cadmium may act differently in females due to its potential as a metalloestrogen. In vitro studies conducted in a controlled environment allow for a direct assessment of cadmium's impact on vascular function, and the use of female rats ensures that sex-dependent effects are evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of Cadmium Chloride (CdCl2, 5 µM) exposure on vascular reactivity in the isolated aorta of female Wistar rats. Exposure to CdCl2 damaged the architecture of the vascular endothelium. CdCl2 incubation increased the production and release of O2•-, reduced the participation of potassium (K+) channels, and increased the participation of the angiotensin II pathway in response to phenylephrine. Moreover, estrogen receptors alpha (Erα) modulated vascular reactivity to phenylephrine in the presence of cadmium, supporting the hyp...
Source: Biometals - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Source Type: research