THE INFLUENCE OF AGING ON RENAL RESPONSE TO CADMIUM IN SYRIAN-HAMSTERS

To determine the renal effects of cadmium (Cd) in older animals, we ad ministered subcutaneously a single dose of cadmium, 3.0 mg/kg/BW, to S yrian hamsters aged 16 wk (''young'') and 60 wk (''old''). Marked morp hologic changes in the kidney and renal dysfunction were observed, esp ecially in the older animals. The concentration of MDA in the renal co rtex was significantly increased only in young hamsters treated with c admium. Concentrations of glutathione (GSH) in the renal cortex were i ncreased in the old hamsters on d 6. Increased levels of renal MDA aft er cadmium treatment may induce the production of GSH in the kidney th us preventing renal damage. Aging can increase the susceptibility to t he renal effects of cadmium.