Serum Proteins and Kidney Function After Exposure to Cadmium

Abstract

Six rabbits were examined seven months after exposure to cadmium for six months., Subcutaneous injections of cadmium chloride had been given five days a weekm One rabbit had nephrosis., The other five rabbits did not differ from a group of nine control rabbits in serum proteins, glomerular filtration rate, or glucose-reabsorption capacity. Hemoglobin was lower in the cadmium group, partly owing to hemolysis., There were large amounts of cadmium in the renal cortex., The alkaline phosphatase activity of the cortex was significantly lower than in the controls. Protein excretion was normal., Electrophoretic examination of urinary proteins revealed tubular patterns in some animalsm These results indicate that after exposure has ceased, a considerable regression of the tubular damage takes place and that large amounts of cadmium in the renal cortex can be tolerated without development of gross abnormalities.