[Effect of zinc on cadmium-induced fetal damage]

The effect of different zinc level on cadmium (Cd)-induced fetal damage was studied in pregnant rats. Seventy Waster rats were divided into five groups: zinc 30 mg/kg diet, zinc deficiency (3.2 mg/kg), zinc deficiency with Cd 2.0 mg/kg, zinc 30 mg with Cd 2.0 mg and zinc 227 mg with Cd 2.0 mg. The pregnant rats were killed on the 20 th day of gestation. Blood samples were taken and all the fetuses were examined. The result showed that zinc deficiency could induce fetus absorption or malformation, which were increased significantly in zinc dificient plus Cd rats. Fetuses can be protected if high dose of zinc (227 mg/kg) is given. The occurrence of fetus absorption and malformation decreased and survival increased in compared with the nonsupplemented group. The results suggested that fetal malformations can be induced by zinc deficiency, and being worse when Cd is added. Zinc supplementation can offset to some extent the toxic effect of Cd.