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[Effect of choroid plexus on sequestering cadmium and its pathomorphological change]
Mingyue Ma1, Zhaofa Xu, Beili Li
1Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
Wei Sheng Yan Jiu = Journal of Hygiene Research
|February 8, 2003
Summary
The choroid plexus sequesters cadmium (Cd) to protect the brain, but high Cd levels cause cellular damage. This study reveals Cd accumulation in the choroid plexus and its toxic effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with known adverse effects on various organs.
- The choroid plexus plays a crucial role in regulating the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) environment and acting as a barrier between blood and brain.
Purpose:
- To investigate the potential of the choroid plexus to sequester cadmium (Cd) and to examine the resulting pathomorphological changes in the choroidal epithelial cells.
- To determine the distribution and concentration of Cd in the choroid plexus, blood, CSF, and brain tissue following Cd administration in rabbits.
Summary:
- Rabbits were administered varying doses of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) via ear vein injection.
- Following administration, Cd concentrations were measured in blood, CSF, choroid plexus, cerebral cortex, liver, and kidney.
- Pathomorphological changes in choroidal epithelial cells were assessed using light and electron microscopy, revealing vacuolation, degeneration, loss of microvilli, and cellular damage at higher Cd concentrations.
Impact:
- The choroid plexus can accumulate and sequester Cd, potentially protecting the cerebral cortex from Cd influx from the blood.
- However, excessive Cd exposure can overwhelm this protective mechanism, leading to significant pathomorphological alterations in the choroid plexus.
- These findings highlight the choroid plexus's role in Cd detoxification and the potential for Cd-induced neurotoxicity mediated by damage to this structure.