Cadmium-binding Proteins in the Pregnant Rat

Abstract

Cadium (Cd) is known to be a highly toxic element to the mammaliam system. Effects of exposure to Cd in the adult mammalian system have been shown to include liver structural and functional damage, renal tubular damage , and disruption of metal metabolism. The role of metallothionein in Cd metabolism has been extensively studied in the adult. Very little is know, however, of the fetal metabolism of Cd. Experimental studies have shown Cd exposure in pregnant animals to have adverse effects on the placenta as well as the fetus. As the effect of CD on the fetus may depend on the form in which Cd is present. this investigation was designed to study the occurrence of cadium-binding proteins (Cd-Bp) in the rat fetus during prenatal exposure.