The effect of cadmium on soluble proteins, enzymes, and essential metals of the duodenal mucosa.

In this study, it was observed that Cd administration had effects on metal distribution and enzyme activities and induced metallothionein in the soluble fraction of the duodenal mucosa. Wistar rats were given water containing 100 ppm of Cd ad libitum for 30 days. Cd treatment caused a significant increase in the mucosal weight and in the soluble protein. The existence of metallothionein was apparent and 40% of the soluble Cd was bound to the thionein. Most of the remaining Cd was bound to the larger proteins. The activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) enzymes, localized in the soluble fraction, were significantly increased by Cd ingestion. The increase of Zn and the decrease of Mn and Mg were also observed in the soluble fraction of the duodenal mucosa.