[Effect of cadmium on lipid components: relation of cadmium to thyroid hormone and growth hormone]

To clarify the relationship of cadmium (Cd), thyroid hormone (TH) and growth hormone (GH) to lipid components, 4-week-old SD rats were dosed orally with Cd (CdCl2) at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg body weight five times a week, orally with TH at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg body weight five times a week and subcutaneously with GH (somatotropin) at a dose of 1.0 IU/kg body weight three times a week, all for 4 weeks. As lipid components, the serum concentrations of triglycerides, free fatty acids, lipid peroxides and long-chain fatty acids were determined. We have devised a new method for determining the fatty acid composition in the femur using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and made a simultaneous analysis of fatty acids, from myristic acid (C14:0) to cholesterol. The results of the present study led to the following conclusions. 1. Cd may inhibit lipogenesis by binding with SH of coenzyme A, thereby reducing the serum levels of free fatty acids and lipid peroxides. 2. When TH and Cd were administered in combination, the addition of Cd produced an inhibitory effect on lipid components, although TH given alone stimulated the lipid metabolism. Therefore, Cd and TH may have an interaction in lipid components. 3. When GH and Cd were administered in combination, Cd modulated the action of GH, which enhanced the effect of somatomedin on the lipid metabolism. The inhibitory effect of Cd on somatomedin activity via Zn was suggested. 4. A sex difference was found in the composition of fatty acids in blood. The males had higher proportions of palmitic acid (C16:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2), while the females had a higher proportion of arachidonic acid (C20:4). There was no sex difference in fatty acid composition in the femur. 5. It was confirmed that TH produced a peroxide of dehydrocholesterol, a precursor of vitamin D3, in the diaphysis of the femur in the increased metabolic state.