Cadmium-induced hypertension in rats

Chronic cadmium chloride (CdCl2, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment in female albino rats for 2 weeks resulted in elevation of blood pressure. In chronic CdCl2-treated rats the pressor responses to different doses of noradrenaline, angiotensin II and depressor responses to acetylcholine and isoprenaline were unaltered. In rat hindquarter preparation there was elevation of perfusion pressure and the sensitivity of vascular bed to noradrenaline was increased in the CdCl2-induced hypertensive rats. Complete bilateral adrenalectomy or chemical sympathectomy or treatment with captopril did not prevent the development of CdCl2-induced hypertension. Treatment with verapamil (15 mg/kg/day, p.o.) or nifedipine (10 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 2 weeks prevented the development of hypertension with chronic CdCl2 treatment. It is suggested that chronic treatment of rats with CdCl2 induces hypertension. It is possible that cadmium mimics the calcium ion for the induction of hypertension in rats.