Influence of cadmium on polychlorobiphenyl uptake, MFO activity, and serum lipid levels in Japanese quail.

The effect of cadmium on the metabolism of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) (Aroclor 1260) was investigated in quails fed diets containing 100 ppm Cd, 100 ppm PCBs (Aroclor 1260) and 100 ppm Cd + 100 ppm PCBs for a period of 45 days. The presence of Cd in the diet did not interfere with MFO activity (EROD and ALDE) and cytochrome P-450 enzymes. Quails fed simultaneously with Cd and PCBs, accumulated PCBs in muscle five times greater than quails fed PCBs only. Quails fed with Cd-containing diet showed a slight increase of cholesterol and triglycerides. These data suggest that a combined chronic exposure to Cd and PCBs could modify PCBs metabolism. The interaction seems due not to inhibition of drug-metabolizing enzymes but to the increase of circulating lipids that favor the accumulation of lipophilic compounds.