The Effects of Cadmium Chloride on the Oesophagus of Rats

Abstract

Cadmium Chloride (CdCl) is a teratogen which is commonly used in industry. Although it is well known to cause toxicity in testes, kidney, heart and liver, few studies have been carried out in the digestive system. In the present study the effects of CdCl on the esophagus of rats were investigated Wistar albino rats weighing 180-200 g were used. The animals were divided into two groups; one group was administered 2 mg/kg/day CdCl intraperitoneally for one week. Esophagus was removed and placed in 10% formaline. Sections were stained with Hematoxylene-Eosine and observed under light microscopy. Hyperplasia in the epithelium, an increase in fibrotic cells under epithelium, hemorrhage in vessels, free floating erythrocytes were all observed following fetal exposure. In conclusion and most importantly, cadmium chloride was found to cause an increase in connective tissue in esophagus mucosa.