Effects of cadmium on photoreceptors and ganglionic cells of retinal layer in mice embryo--an ultrastructural study.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the environmental contaminant and because of its non-decomposable character, it can damage nature. In this study, TEM was used in order to assess the ultrastructural effects of Cd on photorececptor and ganglionic cells of mouse retinal layer. Apoptotic nuclei, heterochromatic nuclei, deletion of nucleus membrane, invisible nucleolus, and apoptotic cells with mitochondrial changes were observed in mice embryo (days 15 of gestation) following CdCl2 injection to mothers on day 9 of gestation. Cadmium exposure caused apoptotic changes both in photoreceptors and ganglionic cells.