Transplacental transfer of cadmium and its toxic effect on the embryo-fetal development in rats

Cadmium sulfate at dose level of 20 mg/kg was administered to pregnant rats by stomach tube from the 6th to 19th day of gestation. The concentration of cadmium in the maternal sera and fetal whole carcass on the 20th day of gestation was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Fetuses were examined for any morphological, visceral or skeletal malformations. In addition, the morphological and behavioral development of the neonate in the early postnatal life (from birth to weaning) was evaluated. Our results demonstrated that cadmium level in the maternal sera of treated dams was high and detected in their fetuses in a moderate amount. Postimplantation deaths, stunted growth, visceral anomalies mainly in the kidney, Lung and heart were observed. Skeletal defects, mainly incomplete ossification were recorded. The postnatal study revealed increased mortality during the first two weeks after birth, retarded growth and delayed incisors eruption and eye opening. It could be concluded that cadmium passes via the placenta inducing serious teratogenic effects in the fetuses and produces dangerous effects in the survived offspring in the early postnatal life.