UPTAKE AND METABOLISM OF LEAD AND CADMIUM IN COHO SALMON (ONCORHYNCHUS-KISUTCH)

1. Coho salmon exposed to water-borne lead and cadmium accumulated relatively high concentrations of each metal in gills, liver and kidney (primarily the posterior segment). 2. Cadmium concentrations in kidney increased for at least a month after termination of exposure; however, concentrations of lead remained about the same. 3. Highest concentrations of cadmium in kidney and liver were in cytosolic fractions, where substantial proportions were bound to proteins of 8900 molecular weight. Gills sequestered cadmium in the form of this readily-inducible metal-binding protein. 4. No specific lead-binding protein was identified in cytosolic fractions. This metal was primarily associated with proteins exceeding 55000 mol.wt. © 1979.