DIETARY MODULATION OF THE SYMPTOMS OF CADMIUM TOXICITY IN RATS - EFFECTS OF VITAMIN-A, VITAMIN-C, VITAMIN-D, VITAMIN-D HORMONE, AND FLUORIDE

The effects of vitamins A, C, D, and D hormone (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3), and fluoride and combinations of these micronutrients on the toxi c symptoms of young rats exposed to 80 ppm cadmium (Cd2+) in the drink ing water and fed a modified AIN-76 diet were studied for 14 weeks. Cd 2+ treated rats displayed smaller body weight gains and larger relativ e kidney and testis weights than controls. Treatment of Cd2+ exposed r ats with vitamins A or D ameliorated these symptoms. When combined, th ese two vitamins were synergistic in this protection as was the combin ation of vitamin A and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Animals exposed to Cd 2+ and treated with vitamin A or a combination of A and D had lower fe mur dry weights than rats exposed to Cd2+ alone but this effect was no t seen with the combination of vitamin A and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Vitamin C had no protective action on the kidneys or testes but caused an increase in the dry weight of the femurs of the exposed rats. Fluo ride partially reduced the weight depression of the Cd2+ exposed rats at certain time periods and lowered the relative weights of the testes in these animals. Fluoride, in combination with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, significantly increased the dry and mineral (ash) weights of the femurs of the Cd2+ exposed rats above that of the controls, a finding which may be relevant to the treatment of osteoporosis. Exposure of ra ts to Cd2+ significantly depressed the hematocrits and erythrocyte cou nts and altered the ratio of granuloid to mononuclear peripheral leuko cytes. Treatment of Cd2+ exposed rats with either vitamin A and 1,25-d ihydroxyvitamin D3 or vitamins A and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and fluo ride appeared to lessen the hematotoxicity associated with Cd2+ exposu re.