[Early indicators of kidney injury in male and female rats after oral administration of cadmium].

The effect of cadmium on the urinary excretion of glucose, creatinine and enzymes has been studied in adult male and female rats given the substance (70, 140 and 280 mg/kg food) for 4 weeks. Renal function tests and gel electrophoresis of urinary proteins were conducted simultaneously. Sex-dependent differences were demonstrated with regard to sensitivity of several kidney parameters and their predictive character of a possible chronic nephrotoxicity. These results were compared with hematological and general biological examinations of cadmium toxicity.