Effect of combined exposure to cadmium and ethanol on regional brain biogenic amine levels in the rat.

The effect of ethanol ingestion on regional brain biogenic amine levels in cadmium exposed animals was examined. The rats were given either ethanol (1 g/kg, first week, 5 g/kg, second week and 10 g/kg for rest of the weeks) or cadmium (40 ppm in drinking water) or a combination of both for 8 weeks. Simultaneous exposure to cadmium and ethanol produced a greater elevation of norepinephrine in hypothalamus and mid brain when compared with rats receiving only cadmium. A significant elevation of 5-hydroxy-tryptamine in medulla oblongata was also noticed in cadmium and ethanol treated rats compared to cadmium alone treatment animals. The present results suggest industrial workers consuming alcohol may be more susceptible to cadmium neurotoxicity.