Tissue cadmium and locomotor behavior following acute inhalation exposure to cadmium aerosol in rats

Rats were exposed for 1 h to increasing concentrations of cadmium (Cd) thro ugh inhalation of cadmium chloride aerosol using nose-only inhalation chamb ers and depositions of Cd in lungs, liver and kidneys were measured. Change s in spontaneous locomotor activities were recorded 2 and 7 d after cessati on of exposure. A concentration dependent increase in Cd in lungs, liver an d kidneys was accompanied by significant alterations in spontaneous locomot or response that was dependent on the air Cd concentrations and the postexp osure duration. The study shows decreased spontaneous locomotor activity du e to Cd accumulation in tissues.