Neurotoxic and some systemic effects of cadmium oxide nanoparticles following their subchronic intranasal...

Industrial emissions of cadmium, which is used in various industries, and formation of cadmium nanoparticles during high-temperature technological processes aggravate the problem of chemical pollution. Insufficient understanding of the toxic impact of cadmium nanoparticles, coupled with the serious multisystem toxicity of this metal, necessitate expansion of knowledge about their potential toxic effects. We assessed the response of female outbred albino rats to subchronic exposure to cadmium oxide nanoparticles (CdO NPs) administered intranasally at the concentration of 0.5 mg/mL thrice a week during 6 weeks. Adverse changes in the exposed animals found at all levels of organization in the body, including ultrastructural damage, disruption of bioenergetic processes, altered cytological and weight indices, and behavioral responses, can be early signs of health disorders induced by CdO NPs, thus proving neurotoxic properties of the latter.