Effect of partial hepatectomy on hepatic metallothionein and glutathione levels and cadmium distribution in different tissues.

The changes in hepatic metallothionein (MT) and glutathione levels and cadmium distribution were investigated 72 hr after a subcutaneous administration of 1.5 mg Cd2+/kg as CdCl2H2O to normal and partially hepatectomized rats. Partial hepatectomy had no effect on native metallothionein content. Cadmium and MT content in livers of partially hepatectomized rats were comparatively lower than in those of intact rats. However, cadmium content significantly increased in other organs of partially hepatectomized rats. Cadmium exposure decreased glutathione level only in intact rats. The effects of partial hepatectomy and regeneration on hepatic MT level and metal distribution are discussed.