Electron Microscopic Study of Cadmium Nephrotoxicity in the Rat

Abstract

In rats given drinking water containing cadmium chloride, renal changes evidenced by electron microscopy were confined to the cells of proximal tubules, consisting of two distinct histologic features, increase of lysosomes and swelling of mitochondria. The size and number of lysosomes inereased in proportion to the amount of ingestion of cadmium. The usual elongated, rod-shaped mitochondria of the proximal tubular cells became oval or rounded and increased in volume. The cristae were vesicular, shortened, and marginal. There were some other changes, such as increase of microbodies, focal proliferation of the smooth endoplasmics reticulam, and appearance of intranuclear inclusions. It is considered that these alterations in the proximal tubular cells of cadmium-intoxicated rats indicate an activation of detoxifying process and impairment of energy metabolism.