Lead-Cadmium Interaction: Effects on Viral-Induced Mortality and Tissue Residues in Mice

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Abstract
Simultaneous exposure to Pb and Cd is highly probable due to common environmental sources of exposure. Mice were exposed simultaneously for 10 wk to Pb and Cd and effects were observed on accumulation of the metals in tissues and susceptibility to viral challenge. The incidence of viral-induced mortality was enhanced in all groups of mice exposed to Pb and suppressed in groups of mice treated with Cd. Mice exposed to both Pb and Cd had mortality rates intermediate to those observed after exposure to the individual metals. Pb and Cd residues in tissues of mice exposed to both metals, as compared to residues in tissues of mice which received Pb or Cd only, indicated that interaction occurs in regard to metaboism, storage and excretion of these elements. Chronic coexposure to Pb and Cd appears to alter certain effects produced by exposure to each metal alone.