Influence of vitamin C on cadmium absorption and distribution in rats.
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary vitamin C supplement on cadmium absorption and distribution in an animal model. An aqueous solution of cadmium chloride (labelled with cadmium-109) was given by gavage to male Wistar rats for 28 days at a daily dose corresponding to 10 mg Cd/kg diet (1.0-1.2 mg Cd/kg b.w.). The animals assigned to groups 1 and 2 (45 animals per group) received a standard laboratory diet LSM, and tap water or tap water supplemented with ascorbic acid (1.5 mg/l), respectively. The radioactivity of the samples was measured using a liquid scintillation counter (tissue samples) and a gas-flow automatic counter (ashed carcasses). The fractional uptake of cadmium-109 in the carcass and organs was evaluated within 32 days after treatment by dividing the cadmium-109 activity in the whole sample by the total activity of cadmium-109 administered for 28 days. Results were compared using AUC (areas under the concentration time curve) values. The vitamin C supplement decreased the carcass cadmium burden and the cadmium content in the liver, kidneys, testicles and muscles; the highest decreases were found in the testicles, the lowest ones in the muscles. In addition, the rats supplemented with vitamin C revealed an improved body weight gain during the experimental period.
Grosicki
Andrzej
A
Laboratory of Radiological Protection and Isotopic Research, National Veterinary Research Institute, ul. Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland. grosicki@piwet.pulawy.pl
D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001835:Body Weight; D002104:Cadmium / Q000378:metabolism*; D019256:Cadmium Chloride / Q000378:metabolism; D002105:Cadmium Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D051381:Rats; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D002104:Cadmium; D019256:Cadmium Chloride; D001205:Ascorbic Acid