Renal Damage After Prolonged Exposure to Cadmium

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Abstract
Rabbits were exposed for 11, 17, 23, and 29 wks. to 0.25 mg of cadmium per kg of body weight, given as subcutaneous injections of cadmium chloride. One group of animals was exposed for 24 wks. and then followed for a further 25 wks. Damage to the renal tubules was localized to the proximal segment. Proteinuria developed characterized by a low albumin level and fairly large [alpha]- and [beta]-fractions, and a distinct fraction in the anterior gamma-region. Results suggest that proteinuria in chronic cadmium poisoning is a sequel of impairment of the tubules. Cadmium is deposited chiefly in the cortex where, to judge from histochemical examination, it is localized mainly in the proximal segment of the tubules; metal deposits were also found in the distal tubules. The amount of cadmium deposited was not correlated with the severity of functional impairment. The excretion of cadmium in the urine increased greatly after renal damage was produced and was significantly correlated with the function of the proximal tubules. A basic protein in the renal cortex of the exposed rabbits was found by electrophoresis. It migrated as muramidase; muramidase activity was demonstrated in this fraction. Ultrafiltration experiments showed that after exposure was discontinued the greater part of excreted cadmium was bound to colloids or cells.

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