Effects of Cadmium Chloride on Ovulation and on Induction of Sterility in the Female Golden Hamster

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Abstract
The effects of single s.c. injections of CdCl2 [an environmental pollutant] on ovulation, egg transport and early pregnancy in the golden hamster were studied. While a single dose of 1.25 or 2.5 mg/kg CdCl2 imposed none to marginal effects, hamsters treated with 5 or 10 mg/kg CdCl2 experienced a period of sterility ranging from 11-69 (5 mg/kg) or 46-71 (10 mg/kg) days, followed by a normal pregnancy. Administration of CdCl2 also induced ovulation inhibition which was dose-and time-dependent. A minimum dose of 5 mg/kg CdCl2 was needed to inhibit ovulation. When CdCl2 was given closer to the time of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge on the day of proestrus, a more pronounced effect on ovulation was recorded. The incidence of failure of ovulation was associated with decreased progesterone levels in serum and inflammation, hemorrhages and necrosis in the ovary. The ovarian lesions lasted < 4 days. Evidently CdCl2 inhibits ovulation when administered close to the time of ovulation, whereas its influence on pregnancy is pronounced but temporary.