Cadmium-Induced Interstitial Cell Tumors in Rats and Mice and Their Prevention by Zinc2

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Abstract
A single subcutaneous injection of cadmium chloride to rats and mice selectively damaged the vascular supply of the testis and resulted in complete necrosis of the seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue. After a few weeks interstitial tissue regenerated, and approximately 1 year later 70 to 80 percent of the animals showed evidence of interstitial cell tumor (ICT) formation. The induction of ICT by cadmium was prevented by the simultaneous administration of a physicochemically similar element, zinc. Studies on the hormonal status of rats treated with cadmium 3 months previously indicated that the content of interstitial cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH) of pituitary glands was higher than control levels. Normal-appearing, regenerating Leydig's cells were not functioning normally, however, as indicated by lowered accessorygland size and function. This was further emphasized by hormonal studies that showed the cadmium-treated rats were completely unresponsive to administered ICSH.