Cadmium induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Onset of hypertension and nephropathy after 1,2, and 4 weeks of exposure to cadmium chloride (1 mg/kg, ip) was studied in rats by measuring changes in blood pressure and renal function (urinary output, electrolytes, serum creatinine, inulin clearance and Na+K+ ATPase). Significant decrease in body weight and rise in blood pressure were observed as early as one week of exposure while microalbuminuria was detected in 50% of the animals after 2 weeks. Na+K+ ATPase, a renal tubular enzyme, was depressed after 1 week with maximum lowering occurring after 4 weeks. There were no detectable changes in fluid intake, urine output, electrolytes, inulin clearance and serum creatinine even after 4 weeks. It is concluded that hypertension and tubular lesion set in earlier than glomerulopathy as indicated by microalbuminuria and the latter could be the consequence of rise in blood pressure.