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Updated: May 8, 2026

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium
Published on: December 17, 2018
Cadmium and its neurotoxic effects.
1Department of Pathology, The Second Clinical Medical School of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities (Inner Mongolia Forestry General Hospital), Yakeshi 022150, Inner Mongolia, China.
Cadmium (Cd) exposure causes neurotoxicity by accumulating in tissues and affecting the central nervous system (CNS). This review explores evidence linking Cd to biochemical and functional changes, highlighting its role in systemic toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal with significant environmental and occupational health concerns.
- Cd has a long biological half-life, leading to accumulation and toxicity in organs like kidneys, liver, and the nervous system.
- Cd can enter the nervous system via nasal pathways, potentially increasing blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review in vitro and in vivo evidence of cadmium's neurotoxic effects.
- To explore potential mechanisms underlying cadmium neurotoxicity.
- To understand the role of neurotoxic effects in the overall systemic toxicity of cadmium exposure.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing in vitro studies on cadmium neurotoxicity.
- Review of existing in vivo studies on cadmium neurotoxicity.
- Analysis of biochemical and functional changes associated with cadmium exposure.
Main Results:
- Cadmium exposure is associated with neurotoxic effects.
- Evidence indicates cadmium induces biochemical and functional changes in the central nervous system (CNS).
- Neurotoxic effects of cadmium may contribute significantly to its systemic toxicity, especially with long-term exposure.
Conclusions:
- Cadmium exposure leads to neurotoxic effects impacting both cellular biochemistry and CNS function.
- Understanding these neurotoxic mechanisms is crucial for managing cadmium's systemic health risks.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex mechanisms of cadmium neurotoxicity.
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