Effect of cadmium on the rat intestine

The effect of cadmium on rat jejunal mucosa was observed after application of CdCl2 doses: acute single (32.5 mg.kg-1) or combined (32.5 + after 24 h 162.5 mg.kg-1) and chronic (250 mg.l-1, daily consumption 10 ml for 3 months). Inhibition of mucosal respiration, measured by a Clark electrode was 44, 50.4 and 38.4% respectively, as related to 100% of controls. Metallothionein was determined in the mucosa for combined and chronic doses. Electron X-ray microanalysis has shown Cd2+ distribution in dependence on pathological changes: greater regressive changes caused smaller Cd2+ retention. In acute experiments Cd2+ penetrate by passive diffusion through foci of damaged villi into the lamina propria. In crypt absorptive cells with preserved alcalic phosphatase and succinate dehydrogenase activity and in Paneth cells Cd2+ retention was determined. Combined dose of Cd2+ damaged homeostasis and prevented Cd2+ retention. In chronic experiments occurred a diffuse distribution of Cd2+ in the mucosa.