Effect of cadmium on hepatic and renal gluconeogenic enzymes in female rats

Earlier, we have reported that cadmium (Cd) induced gluconeogenesis in male rats. Since females are as much exposed to cadmium as are males, this study was conducted to determine Cd effects on gluconeogenesis in female rats. Adult female rats were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with Cd at dose levels of 0.25, 0.75 and 1.25 mg/kg body weight per day for 4 weeks. The controls received saline for the same length of time. Daily food consumption and body weight gain were recorded. At the end of 2 and 4 weeks, 4 rats from each group were killed. Extension of treatment with 1.25 mg Cd for 4 weeks resulted in extreme Cd toxicity killing all animals before the completion of full treatment period. There were no significant changes in total body weight gain and weights of liver and kidney due to Cd. Serum protein increased significantly in animals receiving 0.75 and 1.25 mg Cd for 4 and 2 weeks, whereas serum glucose increased only in animals injected with 1.25 mg Cd for 2 weeks. SGOT and SGPT were elevated (P less than 0.01) in dose- and time-dependent fashion. Activities of three key gluconeogenic enzymes glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase), fructose-1,6-diphosphatase (FD-Pase), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in liver and kidney were induced significantly (P less than 0.01) in animals injected with 0.75 mg for 2 and 4 weeks and 1.25 mg for 2 weeks, and these increases were dose- and time-related. These results suggest that Cd alters hepatic and renal gluconeogenesis in female rats also.