Effect of diet on tissue retention of cadmium heavily preaccumulated in rats

The effects of diets on the tissue retention of preaccumulated cadmium (Cd) were examined after loading Cd to a maximum concentration in the livers of rats. Two commercially available stock diets were examined; one was a normal (basal) diet and the other (low protein diet) was prepared by replacing a portion of the protein sources with starch. The low protein diet selectively enhanced the release of Cd from the livers, while it reduced the uptake of Cd by the kidneys. Cd in the spleen increased even after the cessation of Cd loading in both diet groups and it was explained by the decrease of Cd in the RBC and liver. Significant differences in copper concentration and content in the kidneys and glutathione concentration in the liver were observed between the two diet groups of the saline-injected rats. © 1984 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.