AGE-DEPENDENT ACCUMULATION OF CADMIUM IN THE HUMAN OVARY

Cadmium (Cd) was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in small pieces (<1 g) of healthy human ovaries excised for histologic ex amination. Cd levels in the ovary increased linearly between 30 and 65 years of age. Below 30 years, there was no age dependent increase and over 65 a tendency was observed for ovarian Cd levels to decrease. Th ere was no difference in the Cd content of fresh luteal and nonluteal tissue taken from regularly cycling ovaries. In smokers, the amount of Cd in the ovaries was elevated compared to nonsmokers. In multiparous women (more than 3 children) a tendency to decreased Cd ovarian level s was observed. There was no difference between ovarian Cd content of physical and mental workers. It can be proposed that Cd may be a risk factor for conception and pregnancy in women in their forties.