Free-living bank votes (Clethrionomys glareolus) were sampled in the p
ollution gradient from a Swedish sulfide ore smelter and at a control
site. Animals were placed in metabolic cages for 24-hours-collection o
f urine. Blood plasma and whole kidneys were analyzed for plasma creat
inine, and metal concentrations, respectively. Urine was analyzed for
volume, total protein, creatinine, and metals. Voles from the polluted
site showed 30-40 times increased cadmium levels in kidney, polyuria,
and increased proteinuria. Kidney concentrations of other metals than
cadmium, were similar in the voles from the two locations, as were va
riables related to glomerular function. The proteinuria and increased
urine production, appearing at 4 mg Cd kg(-1) in whole kidney, indicat
ed tubular damage, the typical nephrotoxic sign of chronic exposure to
cadmium.