Whole-body and organ retention of cadmium after repeated administration to rats

Male Wistar rats were exposed to a water solution of cadmium chloride (labelled with cadmium-109) at a dose corresponding to 10 mg Cd/kg diet for 28 days. Carcass, hepatic, renal and testicle distribution of cadmium was studied for 32 days after dosing. Our results indicate that the carcass deposition of cadmium was at a comparative level during the experimental period. Hepatic distribution pattern of cadmium resembled that in the carcass. No substantial alterations in renal and testicle cadmium content were noted. The muscles demonstrated markedly different pattern of cadmium distribution in relation to the other organs; the highest levels were found till day 2 after dosing and decreased steadily thereafter. The liver, kidneys and muscles contained a substantial part (about 95%) of the total dose of cadmium.