Effect of cadmium on arterial blood pressure and lipid metabolism in rats.

A total dose of 8 mg cadmium acetate/kg body weight was administered by repeated i.p. injection to female Wistar rats for 12 weeks. Slight, but significant, increases in blood pressure were recorded. The lipid concentration in serum and other tissues examined was not significantly affected, apart from a decrease in hepatic triglyceride. The blood cadmium (Cd) concentration was increased 10 times and Cd in the aortic wall was 4 times higher in treated rats. Cd affects hepatic lipid metabolism and it is considered that the increase in blood pressure is associated with accumulation of Cd in the arterial walls.