Effect of short-term ethanol administration on cadmium retention and bioelement metabolism in rats continuously exposed to cadmium

The present study was performed to assess the effect of short-term ethanol administration on cadmium retention and accumulation as well as on bioeleme nt metabolism (zinc, copper, calcium, and magnesium) in rats exposed to an aqueous solution of cadmium chloride for 8 weeks. Intoxication with cadmium led to accumulation of this toxic metal, particularly in the liver and kid ney, which was linked to metallothionein synthesis as well as to a disturba nce in the metabolism of zinc, copper, and calcium. These effects were depe ndent on the level of exposure. The administration of ethanol in the final phase of cadmium treatment increased cadmium retention and accumulation in the body with simultaneous elevation in liver and kidney metallothionein co ncentration. Ethanol alone or with cadmium caused or intensified the cadmiu m-induced changes in metabolism of zinc and copper. Calcium metabolism dist urbed by cadmium was not influenced by ethanol. Neither agents had any effe ct on magnesium metabolism. We conclude that even short-term ethanol consum ption in conditions of exposure to cadmium can increase this heavy metal bo dy burden and lead to more serious disturbances in metabolism of important elements such as zinc and copper. Cadmium- and ethanol-induced changes in t he homeostasis of these microelements are probably connected with the abili ty of both xenobiotics to cause metallothionein induction.