The effect of vitamin D3 and dietary calcium level on the cadmium-induced morphological and biochemical changes in rat intestinal mucosa.

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Abstract
The effect of vitamin D3 and dietary Ca level on the Cd-induced changes was observed in the duodena of rats raised on various diets differing in vitamin D and Ca levels. Observation with scanning electron microscopy revealed that vitamin D and dietary Ca were required for normal intestinal villi and microvilli formation. The damaged cells were observed in the intestinal villi of Cd-exposed rats. The length of microvilli was shortened in the Cd-exposed rats. Dietary Cd reduced the enzyme activities in microvilli. Alkaline phosphatase activity was reduced in the Cd-exposed groups, even though it was still responsive to vitamin D3. The effects of Cd were modulated by vitamin D3 and dietary Ca. In the presence of vitamin D3 and Ca, the effect of Cd on intestinal villi and microvilli was reduced.