Accumulation of cadmium and its effects on liver and kidney functions in rats given diet containing cadmium-polluted radish bulb.

The aim of this study was to examine the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) incorporated in radish bulb and its effects on liver and kidney functions in male rats. Control animals were given diet containing ordinary radish bulb for 4, 8 and 12 weeks, while contaminated animals were given diet containing Cd-polluted radish bulb (1.1 microg Cd/g of diet) for the same periods as in controls. At each time point, rats were killed and plasma was collected, and the liver and the kidneys were removed. Results indicated that body weight gain of contaminated rats was identical to that of control rats. Cd concentration in the liver and the kidney increased significantly and gradually from the 4th to the 12th week of treatment. Plasma alanine aminotrasfase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities increased significantly after 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, while plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was increased significantly only after 12 weeks. Plasma urea concentration was comparable in the two groups during the experimental period, while plasma creatinine concentration increased significantly after 12 weeks of treatment.