INFLUENCE OF DIETARY IRON-DEFICIENCY ON NICKEL, LEAD AND CADMIUM INTOXICATION

The influence of dietary iron deficiency on acute nickel, lead or cadm ium toxicity as reflected by the induction of hepatic, renal, and inte stinal metallothionein (MT), disposition of the metals and alterations in hematological parameters, was investigated in young rats to ascert ain whether the toxic effects of these metals modify under anemic cond itions. The administration of Cd induced hepatic, renal and intestinal MT while that of Ni or Pb induced hepatic MT only. While dietary Fe d eficiency did not affect MT induction by Cd, it enhanced the synthesis of renal and intestinal MT by Ni and Pb. The accumulation of Pb in li ver and kidney and that of Cd in liver only, were enhanced by Fe defic iency; the tissue deposition of Ni remained unaffected by Fe deficienc y. The induction of hepatic MT by Ni, Pb or Cd appears to be related t o the concomitant rise in the hepatic Zn, Ca and Fe levels in normal r ats. However, dietary Fe deficiency increased the hepatic Zn in respon se to Ni or Cd and the hepatic Ca in response to Pb administration.