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Long-term exposure to cadmium and cardiovascular alterations in the rabbit
Abstract:
Some mechanisms regulating cardiovascular function (CF) were investigated in male rabbits exposed for ten months to 20 micrograms/ml of cadmium (Cd) in drinking water. Cd reduced cardiac inotropism (CI), increased aortic vascular resistance (AVR) and altered cardiovascular reactivity by acting on renin-angiotensin, serotonin, sympathetic and vagal parasympathetic systems. Cd levels were higher in the aorta than in the heart. Renal Cd content was lower than that reported as critical for Cd-exposed workers. Zinc (Zn) was increased only in the kidney and copper (Cu) was unchanged in the organs studied. It was shown that humoral, neurogenic and metabolic mechanisms are involved in the Cd-induced alterations of CF.
Insights
Chronic cadmium (Cd) exposure in rabbits impaired cardiovascular function (CF) by affecting cardiac inotropism and vascular resistance. These alterations involved multiple neurohumoral and metabolic pathways, highlighting cadmium
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with known adverse effects on multiple organ systems.
- Understanding the specific mechanisms by which Cd impacts cardiovascular function (CF) is crucial for public health.
- Previous research indicates potential cardiovascular effects of Cd, but detailed mechanistic insights are still needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms regulating cardiovascular function in male rabbits chronically exposed to cadmium.
- To determine the impact of cadmium exposure on cardiac inotropism, aortic vascular resistance, and cardiovascular reactivity.
- To assess cadmium distribution in cardiac and aortic tissues and its correlation with observed functional alterations.
Main Methods:
- Male rabbits were exposed to 20 µg/ml of cadmium in drinking water for ten months.
- Cardiovascular function parameters including cardiac inotropism (CI) and aortic vascular resistance (AVR) were measured.
- Cardiovascular reactivity was assessed by examining the involvement of renin-angiotensin, serotonin, sympathetic, and vagal parasympathetic systems.
Main Results:
- Cadmium exposure significantly reduced cardiac inotropism and increased aortic vascular resistance in rabbits.
- Cardiovascular reactivity was altered, indicating interference with key neurohumoral pathways.
- Higher cadmium levels were found in the aorta compared to the heart; renal cadmium was below critical worker thresholds.
Conclusions:
- Chronic cadmium exposure induces significant alterations in cardiovascular function, affecting both the heart and vasculature.
- Humoral, neurogenic, and metabolic mechanisms are implicated in cadmium-induced cardiovascular dysfunction.
- The findings underscore the importance of monitoring environmental cadmium exposure due to its potential cardiovascular toxicity.