Effects of Oral Cadmium Exposure on Renal Glomerular and Tubular Functions in the Rat

Abstract

The effects of orally consumed cadmium on the functions of the kidney have been investigated in rats based on the reported level of the toxicant in Warri River. Relative to the corresponding controls there were significant (P < 0.05) increases in the amount of cadmium in the kidneys of rats in all the test groups. Biochemical analysis revealed significant (P < 0.05) changes in plasma creatinine after 2 months (control 1.20 ± 0.20 X 10-2; test 0.92 ± 0.26 X 10-2 µg/ml) and glucose after 1-month (control 91.67 ± 3.39; test 102.75 ± 5.99 mg/dL) exposure. Twenty-four hours urine volume were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in rats exposed to cadmium for 1 and 2 months. Also in the Cd-exposed rats urine protein was significantly elevated in those exposed for 2 and 3 months but their urine glucose was demonstratively elevated only in those exposed for 2 months (control 33.00 ± 7.80; test 43.00 ±9.80 mg/dL). Urine creatinine was not significantly altered in any of the test groups. Consistently there were significant (P < 0.05) decreases in total ATPase and Mg2+ - ATPase activities at the end of the 2 and 3 months exposure when compared to the controls. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 8 (1) 2004: 29 - 32