Cytotoxicity and ciliostasis in tracheal explants exposed to cadmium salts

Cadmium salts were examined for their biological effects on ciliated respiratory epithelium in hamster tracheal explants. Cadmium chloride and cadmium acetate both caused significant decreases in ciliary motion when tested at 100 micrograms M and above. Reductions in relative ciliary activity were dose-dependent and were first demonstrable at 8-32 hr. The decreased ciliary motion was accompanied by decreases in two key metabolic compound (ATP and dehydrogenase) which are normally associated with cell viability. Histopathological examination of cadmium-treated tissues showed an epithelium thinner than normal, with extensive vacuolization and few, if any, intact ciliated cells. The various biological effects exerted by cadmium are presented, along with potential mechanisms of pathogenesis for the observed ciliostasis and cytonecrosis. Decreases in adenosine triphosphate appear to play a critical role in the development of cadmium-related effects on cellular function and metabolism.