Effects of Sub-Chronic Cd Exposure on Levels of Copper, Selenium, Zinc, Iron and Other Essential Metals in Rat Renal Cortex

Publication date: Available online 12 September 2016 Source:Toxicology Reports Author(s): Walter C. Prozialeck, Peter C. Lamar, Joshua R. Edwards Cd (Cd) is a nephrotoxic environmental pollutant that causes generalized proximal tubule dysfunction. Even though the specific mechanisms by which Cd damages the kidney have yet to be fully elucidated, there is evidence to suggest that some of these nephrotoxic effects may result from the ability of Cd to alter the levels and function of metals such as Cu, Se, Zn and Fe within the kidney. In order to further explore this issue, we examined the effects of subchronic Cd exposure on tissue levels of a panel of metals (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Se and Zn) in the rat renal cortex. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with CdCl2 (0.6mg Cd/kg body weight in isotonic saline by subcutaneous injection, 5days per week for 6, 9 or 12 weeks). At each time point, 24hour urine samples were collected and assayed for levels of protein, creatinine, β2 microglobulin and cystatin C. Samples of renal cortex were removed and assayed for levels of the metals of interest by inductively-coupled mass spectrometry at Michigan State University. Results showed that at 9 and 12 weeks, Cd caused significant increases in urine volume and urinary protein with no change in creatinine excretion. Increases in the excretion of the urinary biomarkers β2 microglobulin and cystatin C were evident after 6 weeks of Cd exposure. Results of the metal analyses showe...
Source: Toxicology Reports - Category: Toxicology Source Type: research