Lactational cadmium exposure induced alterations in the hematological indices and oxidative status in brain, liver and testes of rat pups.

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of lactational exposure to cadmium (Cd) on suckling male rat pups. Hematological parameters, antioxidant status, some biochemical and pathophysiological indices in brain, liver and testicular tissues of rat offspring were studied. Lactating Sprague–Dawley females received either 0 ppb (control) or 20 ppm Cd as CdCl2 in their drinking water during the lactational period. Suckling male rat pups were weaned and sacrificed on day 24 for performing various biochemical assays. Distortion of the hemopoietic features as decrease in RBCs count, hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet values were seen in exposed rat pups. Increased lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde (MDA) and depressed antioxidant defense superoxide dimutase (SOD) levels in brain, liver and testes of exposed rat pups were obtained. Serum activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) showed a significant increase, whereas a reduction in the level of testosterone hormone was obtained in cadmium exposed pups. In addition, Cd induces neuronal degeneration, necrosis in hepatocytes and degeneration in semineferous tubules along with interstitial edema. The previous findings are indicative of multiple targets of cadmium to disrupt several organ functions in newly borne rat pups on lactational exposure.