Serum Proteins in Cadmium Poisoned Rabbits

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Abstract
The object of the study was to find a possible relationship between changes in serum proteins and kidney damage in cadmium poisoning. Belgian Giant rabbits were given subcutaneous injections of cadmium chloride corresponding to 0.25 mg cadmium/kg of body weight daily for 5 days a week. The 10 rabbits in one series were exposed for 24 weeks and observed for a further 25. In a 2nd series rabbits were exposed for 11, 17, 23, and 29 weeks, after which they were sacrificed. There was an initial reduction in the albumin content and an increase in [alpha]-and [beta]-globulins, indicative of an acute reaction, this then passed into a subacute stage, with an increase in the gamma-fraction. After exposure had been discontinued 3 rabbits of the 1st series died; the survivors showed a normalization of the serum protein levels towards the end of the observation period. The most striking finding was a reduction in [alpha]2-globulin during exposure following an initial increase. This prompted determination of haptoglobin, which disclosed the development of ahaptoglobinemia after 11 weeks; this was due to hemolytic anemia. The evidence suggests that in the cadmium poisoned rabbit there might be a connection between the deposition of hemo-siderin in the renal tubules and kidney damage.