Abstract
Effect of pre-administration of heavy metals and vitamins on acute cadmium poisoning were clarified in experiments done on mice.
In group 1: large doses of cadmium (3mg/kg. body wt.) resulted in testicular atrophy and congestion. Splenic hypertrophy, kidney atrophy and haematocrit decrease was also seen. Necrosis in testicular tubules was histochemically observed. Biochemical results were: Zn and Mg contents decreased in testis, Zn contents increased in liver and kidneys plus an increase of cadmium in various tissues.
In group 2: small doses prior to large doses of cadmium prevented the abnormalities seen in group 1 except that cadmium concentration in testis and liver was increased to a greater extent than in a single administration of large doses of cadmium.
Mn, Zn, ascorbic acid, thiamine or thiamine propyl disulfide were administered prior to cadmium. Although prevention of a decreased haematocrit resulted, testicular atrophy and necrosis were still observed.
Tentative explanations for these mechanisms have been presented.
