Effect of chronic cadmium exposure on VEP and EEG spectral components

Pregnant swiss albino rats were divided to three groups as control (C), cadmium (Cd) and non-cadmium (NCd) groups. Control animals were received tap water while the rats of Cd group were received Cd as CdC12 in their drinking water during the experimental period. On the other hand, the NCd group was given Cd during pregnancy, but given tap water after birth. Twenty-two days after birth, fourteen rats (for each group) were taken from their mothers and continued to be treated with Cd (Cd group) or tap water (C and NCd groups) for an additional 38 days. After the experimental period, flash VEPs and EEGs of three groups were recorded and amplitude spectral analysis was computed by Transient Response-Frequency characteristics (TRFC) method. The mean amplitude (dB) of 1-3.5 and 14-20 Hz frequency bands for right response whereas 1-3.5, 4-7, 8-13 and 14-20 Hz frequency bands for left response of VEPs were decreased in Cd group compared with control group. On the other hand, significant differences were observed between Cd and control groups in all the frequency bands of EEGs except 6-8 Hz.