Long-term exposure to cadmium and cardiovascular alterations in the rabbit.

Abstract

Some mechanisms regulating cardiovascular function (CF) were investigated in male rabbits exposed for ten months to 20 micrograms/ml of cadmium (Cd) in drinking water. Cd reduced cardiac inotropism (CI), increased aortic vascular resistance (AVR) and altered cardiovascular reactivity by acting on renin-angiotensin, serotonin, sympathetic and vagal parasympathetic systems. Cd levels were higher in the aorta than in the heart. Renal Cd content was lower than that reported as critical for Cd-exposed workers. Zinc (Zn) was increased only in the kidney and copper (Cu) was unchanged in the organs studied. It was shown that humoral, neurogenic and metabolic mechanisms are involved in the Cd-induced alterations of CF.