Effects of six-week intoxication on cadmium and zinc distribution in internal organs and blood and on the mitotic activity of liver cells

Abstract

The aims of this study were to detect the distribution of Cd and Zn in mouse internal organs and blood over six weeks of intoxication with Cd and exposure to Zn, and to estimate the effect of Zn2+ and Cd2+ on the mitotic activity of liver cells. Administration of Zn led to a significant increase of Cd concentration in the organs and blood, Hile intoxication with Cd caused a significant increase of Zn concentration in the liver and kidneys. Zn supplementation led to a decrease of Cd concentration in the heart, spleen, kidneys and blood. Intraperitoneal injection of Cd significantly increased the mitotic activity of liver cells, while Zn supplementation slightly decreased it. Our results demonstrate a close relationship between Zn and Cd distribution in mouse organs and blood. These data validate the hypothesis that the metabolism and action of Cd may be modulated by Zn administration. Keywords: cadmium, zinc, mice, mitotic index, atomic absorption spectroscopy