Effects of cadmium on the level of serum corticosterone and adrenocortical function in male and female rats.

The present study was designated to obtain information about the effects of cadmium (Cd) on the level of serum corticosterone and on the adrenocortical function in male and female rats. The animals were injected twice a day with cadmium chloride at a dose of 1 mg/Kg of body weight for 2 and 7 consecutive days. After Cd treatment for 2 and 7 consecutive days, the adrenal weight increased and the level of serum corticosterone decreased in male and female rats. The steroid response to injected ACTH of the treated rats of both sexes was similar to that of the control rats but there was a marked increase in the disappearance rate of corticosterone from plasma in Cd-treated rats of both sexes. These results suggest that the low level of serum corticosterone in Cd-treated rats of both sexes is due to the marked increase in the disappearance rate of corticosterone from plasma.