Effect of cadmium on calcium, magnesium and phosphorus content of rat molars

Eleven groups of Wistar rats, 10 animals in each group, received graded doses of CdCl2 in the drinking water from conception until sacrifice at the age of 10 weeks. The Ca and Mg contents of whole molars as well as enamel and dentin for each group were recorded by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The inorganic P content of the control and three experimental groups was measured by colorimetry. Four molars from each of eight additional animals, four controls and four from the 22.5 parts/10(6) Cd group were ground transversely and subjected to X-ray microanalysis. AAS analyses showed that the Ca level of whole molars increased significantly with a Cd supply above 2.5 parts/10(6). The Ca content was significantly correlated with the Cd contents of the same teeth. The increased Ca seemed to be in the enamel. The Mg content decreased significantly with Cd doses below 12.5 parts/10(6). This decrease seemed to be in dentin. The P level of the molars increased following Cd supply, but not significantly so. The X-ray spectra demonstrated that there were no significant differences between the Ca/P ratios of the two groups, either in enamel or in dentin. It is concluded that absorption of Cd alters the normal Ca, Mg and P levels in rat molars. This may reflect a disturbance of Ca, P and Mg metabolism in the organism generally.