Cytogenetic effects of cadmium on unfertilized oocytes in short-term zinc deficiency in hamsters

Chromosomal mutagenic effects of cadmium were examined during oogenesis in hamsters fed a zinc-deficient diet in the short term. Although mild zinc deficiency per se decreased the number of oocytes recovered, other reproductive and cytogenetic effects were not observed. On the other hand, cadmium induced a high incidence of oocyte degeneration and diploidy, which did not differ between the zinc-deficient and control groups. The mutagenic activities of cadmium were not accentuated in metaphase II oocytes of zinc-deficient hamsters. However, it appears that zinc deficiency alters the effects of cadmium on the reproductive system in female hamsters.