metallothionein and Proteinuria

The transmembrane protein SLC22A17 [or the neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin/lipocalin-2 (LCN2)/24p3 receptor] is an atypical member of the SLC22 family of organic anion and cation transporters: it does not carry typical substrates of SLC22 transporters but mediates receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME) of LCN2. One important task of the kidney is the prevention of urinary loss of proteins filtered by the glomerulus by bulk reabsorption of multiple ligands via megalin:cubilin:amnionless-mediated endocytosis in the proximal tubule (PT). Accordingly, overflow, glomerular, or PT damage, as in Fanconi syndrome, results in proteinuria. Strikingly, up to 20% of filtered proteins escape the PT under physiological conditions and are reabsorbed by the distal nephron. The renal distal tubule and collecting duct express SLC22A17, which mediates RME of filtered proteins that evade the PT but with limited capacity to prevent proteinuria under pathological conditions. The kidney also prevents excretion of filtered essential and nonessential transition metals, such as iron or cadmium, respectively, that are largely bound to proteins with high affinity, e.g., LCN2, transferrin, or metallothionein, or low affinity, e.g., microglobulins or albumin. Hence, increased uptake of transition metals may cause nephrotoxicity. Here, we assess the literature on SLC22A17 structure, topology, tissue distribution, regulation, and assumed functions, emphasizing renal SLC22A17, which has relevance for physiology, pathology, and nephrotoxicity due to the accumulation of proteins complexed with transition metals, e.g., cadmium or iron. Other putative renal functions of SLC22A17, such as its contribution to osmotic stress adaptation, protection against urinary tract infection, or renal carcinogenesis, are discussed.

Topics: Cadmium; Endocytosis; Humans; Iron; Kidney Tubules, Proximal; Lipocalin-2; Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-2; Metalloproteins; Metallothionein; Nephrosis; Organic Cation Transport Proteins; Proteinuria

Topics: Adult; Animals; beta 2-Microglobulin; Biomarkers; Body Burden; Cadmium; Cadmium Poisoning; DNA-Binding Proteins; Electron Probe Microanalysis; Heat-Shock Proteins; Humans; Metallothionein; Middle Aged; Proteinuria; Rats; Retinol-Binding Proteins; Spectrophotometry, Atomic

The increasing environmental and occupational exposure of populations to cadmium creates the need for biological indicators of cadmium exposure and toxicity. The advantages and disadvantages of monitoring blood cadmium, urinary, fecal, hair, and tissue cadmium, serum creatine, beta 2-microglobulin, alpha 1-anti-trypsin and other proteins, and urinary amino acids, enzymes, total proteins, glucose, beta 2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, lysozyme, and metallothionein are discussed. It is concluded that urinary cadmium, metallothionein and beta 2-microglubulin may be used together to assess cadmium exposure and toxicity.

Topics: alpha 1-Antitrypsin; Amino Acids; beta 2-Microglobulin; Blood Proteins; Cadmium Poisoning; Creatinine; Environmental Exposure; Enzymes; Feces; Glycosuria; Hair; Humans; Metallothionein; Muramidase; Proteinuria; Retinol-Binding Proteins

The increasing environmental and occupational exposure of populations to cadmium creates the need for biological indicators of cadmium exposure and toxicity. The advantages and disadvantages of monitoring blood cadmium, urinary, fecal, hair, and tissue cadmium, serum creatinine, beta 2-microglobulin, alpha 1-antitrypsin and other proteins, and urinary amino acids, enzymes, total proteins, glucose, beta 2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, lysozyme, and metallothionein are discussed. It is concluded that urinary cadmium, metallothionein and beta 2-microglobulin may be used together to assess cadmium exposure and toxicity.

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; alpha 1-Antitrypsin; Amino Acids; Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases; beta 2-Microglobulin; Blood Proteins; Body Burden; Cadmium; Cadmium Poisoning; Clinical Enzyme Tests; Creatinine; Environmental Exposure; Feces; Glycosuria; Hair; Humans; Kidney; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Metallothionein; Muramidase; Proteinuria; Retinol-Binding Proteins

The aim of this study is to estimate the reference level of lifetime cadmium intake (LCd) as the benchmark doses (BMDs) and their 95% lower confidence limits (BMDLs) for various renal effects by applying a hybrid approach. The participants comprised 3,013 (1,362 men and 1,651 women) and 278 (129 men and 149 women) inhabitants of the Cd-polluted and nonpolluted areas, respectively, in the environmentally exposed Kakehashi River basin. Glucose, protein, aminonitrogen, metallothionein, and β

Topics: Aged; beta 2-Microglobulin; Biomarkers; Cadmium; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Glucose; Humans; Japan; Male; Metallothionein; Middle Aged; Nitrogen; Proteinuria; Risk Assessment; Rivers; Water Pollutants, Chemical

We have demonstrated that Zn supplementation mediated up-regulation of cardiac metallothionein (MT) as a potent antioxidant prevented the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. The present study was undertaken to test whether induction of renal MT synthesis by Zn supplementation protects the kidney from diabetes-induced damage. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with and without Zn supplementation at 5 mg/kg in drinking water for 3 months. Diabetic renal damage was detected by examining renal pathological alterations and 24-h urinary protein levels. Three-month Zn supplementation immediately after the onset of diabetes, partially but significantly, prevented the kidney from diabetes-induced increases in 24-h urinary proteins and pathological alterations. Diabetes-induced renal oxidative damage, inflammation and up-regulated expression of profibrosis mediator connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were also markedly attenuated by Zn supplementation, along with significant increases in Zn levels concomitant with MT expression in renal tubular cells. Direct exposure of renal tubular (HK11) cells to high levels of glucose (HG) induced CTGF up-regulation predominantly through ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase)1/2-dependent, and partially through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent pathways. Pretreatment of HK11 cells with Zn or cadmium induced MT expression and also significantly suppressed HG-induced CTGF expression. These results provide the first evidence for Zn supplementation to attenuate diabetes-induced renal pathological changes, likely through prevention of hyperglycemia-induced CTGF expression by Zn-induced MT in renal tubular cells.

Topics: Animals; Blood Glucose; Cell Line; Connective Tissue Growth Factor; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetic Nephropathies; Gene Expression Regulation; Glucose; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Tubules, Proximal; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Metallothionein; Organ Specificity; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1; Protein Isoforms; Proteinuria; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; RNA, Messenger; Superoxide Dismutase; Zinc

Inorganic mercury (HgCl2) exposure provokes damage in many organs, especially kidney. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, total NOS activity and the profiles of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and Hg as well as their distribution when bound to specific intracellular proteins, including metallothioneins (MT), were studied during HgCl2 exposure and after l-arginine treatment in C57BL/6 mouse kidney. HgCl2 exposure modulates differently iNOS expression and NOS activity, increasing iNOS expression but, conversely, decreasing total NOS activity in the mouse kidney. Moreover, during Hg exposure an increased MT production occurs. The kidney damage leads to a loss of urinary proteins, increased plasma creatinine and high Zn mobilization with consequent increased urinary Zn excretion. l-arginine treatment recovers NOS activity and induces a normalization of MT induction, plasma creatinine values and urinary proteins excretion, suggesting that l-arginine may limit kidney damages by Hg exposure.

Topics: Animals; Arginine; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Copper; Creatinine; Kidney; Male; Mass Spectrometry; Mercuric Chloride; Mercury; Mercury Poisoning; Metallothionein; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Protein Binding; Proteinuria; RNA, Messenger; Tissue Distribution

Cadmium (Cd) exposure results in injury to the proximal tubule characterized by polyuria and proteinuria. Kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein not normally detected in the mature kidney, but is upregulated and shed into the urine following nephrotoxic injury. In this study, we determine if Kim-1 might be a useful early biomarker of Cd nephrotoxicity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given daily injections of Cd for up to 12 weeks. Weekly urine samples were analyzed for Kim-1, protein, creatinine, metallothionein, and Clara cell protein CC-16. Significant levels of Kim-1 were detected in the urine by 6 weeks and continued to increase throughout the treatment period. This appearance of Kim-1 occurred 4-5 weeks before the onset of proteinuria, and 1-3 weeks before the appearance of metallothionein and CC-16. Higher doses of Cd gave rise to higher Kim-1 excretion. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) expression analysis showed that Kim-1 transcript levels were increased after 6 weeks at the low dose of Cd. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that Kim-1 was present in proximal tubule cells of the Cd-treated rats. Our results suggest that Kim-1 may be a useful biomarker of early stages of Cd-induced proximal tubule injury.

Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Body Weight; Cadmium; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Kidney Tubules, Proximal; Male; Membrane Proteins; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Uteroglobin

Cadmium is a potent hepatotoxicant for which neither effective preventive methods nor the mechanism of toxicity has been established. We investigated the preventive effect of dexamethasone against cadmium toxicity on cadmium-induced liver injury in rabbits. Pretreatment with dexamethasone at 1 mg/kg increased the rate of survival in rabbits administered 2.5 mg/kg iv cadmium. Cadmium induced acute severe liver injury characterized by hepatocellular necrosis, infiltration by inflammatory cells, and increases of plasma GOT, GPT, LDH, and LDH5. Dexamethasone mitigated the acute hepatotoxic effect of cadmium, but exacerbated cadmium-induced kidney dysfunction, with destruction of renal tubular cells and increases in excretion of protein, glucose, and amino acids into urine. The cadmium concentration in liver and kidney of rabbits administered cadmium was not changed by dexamethasone pretreatment. Although metallothionein mRNA expression induced by cadmium was not affected by dexamethasone in liver or kidney, cadmium-induced metallothionein protein production was augmented at the early phase in liver and decreased at the later phase in kidney. Neutrophilia observed after cadmium administration was enhanced initially by dexamethasone pretreatment. These results indicate that dexamethasone pretreatment potently prevented cadmium-induced liver injury, but exacerbated renal tubular dysfunction.

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Cadmium; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Creatinine; Dexamethasone; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Interactions; Female; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Liver; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rabbits; Survival Rate; Time Factors

Cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) are important inorganic toxicants in the environment. Humans certainly have the potential to be exposed to the mixtures of Cd and As, but the toxicological interactions of these inorganic mixtures are poorly defined. Metallothionein (MT) is a cysteine-rich, metal-binding protein that plays an important role in Cd detoxication, but its role in As toxicity is less certain. To examine the role of MT in Cd- and/or As-induced nephrotoxicity, MT-I/II-knockout (MT-null) mice and background-matched wild-type (WT) mice were fed CdCl(2) (100 ppm Cd) in the diet, NaAsO(2) (22.5 ppm As) in the drinking water, or Cd plus As for 4 months. Subsequently, nephrotoxicity was examined by morphological and biochemical techniques. Chronic exposure to Cd produced more renal toxicity than As, and the combination of Cd and As produced even more renal injury than caused by either of the chemicals given alone. In mice receiving Cd plus As, proximal tubule degeneration and atrophy, glomerular swelling and interstitial fibrosis were more severe than those produced by either inorganic. Furthermore, lack of MT rendered MT-null mice more sensitive than WT mice to the nephrotoxicity produced by chronic Cd- and/or As-exposure. MT-null mice were especially susceptible to the toxicity produced by the combination of Cd and As, as evidenced by decreased body weight, enzymuria, glucosuria, proteinuria and nephropathy. In conclusion, this study indicates that As may potentiate Cd nephrotoxicity during the long-term, combined exposure, and that intracellular MT plays a role in decreasing the nephropathy of combined exposure to Cd and As.

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Administration, Oral; Animals; Arsenic; Body Weight; Cadmium; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Synergism; Glycosuria; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Liver; Male; Metallothionein; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Organ Size; Proteinuria

Metallothionein (MT) is a low-molecular-weight, cysteine-rich, metal-binding protein. Induction of MT has been proposed to be an important adaptive mechanism in decreasing Cd toxicity. MT has been shown to protect against CdCl2-induced lethality and hepatotoxicity; however, MT does not protect against acute CdMT-induced nephrotoxicity. This study was aimed at clarifying the role of metallothionein in chronic CdMT-induced renal injury. Wild type and MT-I/II knockout (MT-null) mice were therefore given sc injections of CdMT (25 and 100 microg Cd/kg) or saline daily, 6 times/week for 6 weeks, and renal injury was evaluated. Multiple injections of CdMT to wild-type mice resulted in renal Cd concentrations up to 120 microg/g kidney, along with a 100-fold increase in renal MT (450 microg/g kidney). In contrast, renal Cd concentration in MT-null mice administered multiple injections of CdMT reached a much lower level than in wild-type mice (<10 microg/g kidney). Although less Cd accumulated in their kidneys, MT-null mice were more susceptible than wild-type mice to CdMT-induced nephrotoxicity, as indicated by increased urinary excretion of protein and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, as well as by elevated blood urea nitrogen levels. At the higher daily dose of CdMT (100 microg Cd/kg), kidneys of MT-null mice were enlarged. Chronic CdMT administration eventually damaged the entire kidney, which included glomerular swelling, interstitial inflammation, edema, tubular cell degeneration, and atrophy. In contrast to a single injection of CdMT that produces proximal tubular necrosis, chronic injection of CdMT results in tubular cell apoptosis in both wild-type and MT-null mice. These data indicate that chronic CdMT administration produces similar renal injury to that observed after chronic CdCl2 administration, and that intracellular MT protects against nephrotoxicity produced by chronic CdMT administration.

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Animals; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Cadmium; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Homozygote; Kidney Diseases; Metallothionein; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Proteinuria; Rats; Time Factors

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and normal non-diabetic (ND) rats were exposed to cadmium chloride in drinking water in doses of 0, 50 and 100 ppm for 90 days. There was a dose-related increase in urinary protein and enzymes in the diabetic group, but an increase in proteinuria only in the high exposure subgroup of the ND group. It is suggested that diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin are more susceptible to cadmium nephrotoxicity than normal (ND) rats. Metallothionein synthesis in liver was estimated to be similar in both the diabetic and non-diabetic groups after exposure to cadmium. Less excretion of cadmium in urine and greater accumulation of cadmium in kidney were observed in the diabetic group, and this may be one of the mechanisms underlying the susceptibility of diabetic animals to the effects of cadmium. Further biochemical and histological studies are required in order to explain the detailed events involved in inducing such changes in the toxicokinetics of cadmium.

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Administration, Oral; Animals; Cadmium; Cadmium Chloride; Chromatography; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Disease Susceptibility; Drinking; Female; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Liver; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Zinc

Kidney is the main target organ of Cd toxicity in humans. Cd-induced nephrotoxicity is thought to be caused by the Cd-metallothionein complex (CdMT) that "leaks" out of the liver and is taken up by the kidney. A single injection of CdMT has therefore been used as a model to study Cd nephropathy for the last 20 years. However, our recent studies reveal discrepancies between renal Cd concentration and nephrotoxic potencies of CdCl2 and CdMT. This study was further designed to critically evaluate whether a single injection of CdMT is an appropriate model to study the mechanism of chronic CdCl2 nephropathy. Age-matched rats were given multiple sc injections of either CdCl2 (0.8 and 1.2 mg Cd/kg) or CdMT (0.05 mg Cd/kg) daily, 6 days/week for 6 weeks, or a single injection of CdMT (0.2-0.6 mg Cd/kg i.p. for 24 h), and the nephrotoxicity was compared. Histologically, chronic CdCl2 or CdMT administration produced damage to the whole kidney, including tubular cell degeneration, apoptosis, and atrophy; interstitial inflammation; glomerular swelling; and sclerosis. In contrast, acute CdMT injection produced severe proximal tubule necrosis as the major feature of its toxicity. Biochemically, chronic exposure to Cd produced polyuria and calciuria, while proteinuria, glucosuria, and enzymuria were mild (2-5x). In contrast, acute CdMT nephrotoxicity was characterized by marked increases in urinary protein (13x), glucose (25x), N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase (28x), lactate dehydrogenase (100x), and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (160x). Serum levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were unchanged following chronic Cd exposure but were markedly elevated (5x) after acute injection of CdMT. Chronic exposure to either CdCl2 or CdMT produced nephrotoxicity at renal Cd concentration of 85 to 110 micrograms/g kidney, while acute CdMT injection produced nephrotoxicity at only 5 to 7 micrograms/g kidney. In conclusion, the present study indicates that the features and mechanisms of renal injury from chronic Cd exposure are quite different from those produced by a single injection of CdMT. Therefore, it is proposed that acute CdMT injection is not an appropriate model for the study of chronic Cd-induced nephrotoxicity.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Cadmium Chloride; Female; Glycosuria; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Chronic human exposure to Cd results in kidney injury. It has been proposed that nephrotoxicity produced by chronic Cd exposure is via the Cd-metallothionein complex (CdMT) and not by inorganic forms of Cd. If this hypothesis is correct, then MT-null mice, which cannot form CdMT, should not develop nephrotoxicity. Control and MT-null mice were injected s.c. with a wide range of CdCl2 doses, six times/week for up to 10 weeks, and their renal Cd burden, renal MT concentration, and nephrotoxicity were quantified. In control mice, renal Cd burden increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner, reaching as high as 140 microg Cd/g kidney, along with 150-fold increases in renal MT concentrations, reaching 800 microg MT/g kidney. In MT-null mice, renal Cd concentration (10 microg/g) was much lower, and renal MT was nonexistent. The maximum tolerated dose of Cd in MT-null mice was approximately one-eighth that of controls. MT-null mice were more susceptible than controls to Cd-induced renal injury, as evidenced by increased urinary excretion of protein, glucose, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, as well as by increased blood urea nitrogen levels. Kidneys of Cd-treated mice were enlarged and histopathology showed various types of lesions, including proximal tubular degeneration, apoptosis, atrophy, interstitial inflammation, and glomerular swelling. These lesions were more severe in MT-null than in control mice, mirroring the biochemical analyses. These data indicate that Cd-induced renal injury is not necessarily mediated through the CdMT complex and that MT is an important intracellular protein in protecting against chronic Cd nephrotoxicity.

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Animals; Body Weight; Cadmium Chloride; Cadmium Radioisotopes; Female; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Glycosuria; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Male; Metallothionein; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Proteinuria

Protection against the development of nephrotoxicity following the administration of cadmium-metallothionein (CdMT) at a dose of 0.4 mg Cd per kg body weights was studied in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Six groups of Wistar male rats were used (Groups A and B, Groups A1 and C, and Groups A2 and D were injected intraperitoneally with STZ at doses of 0, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, and then 6 days later, Groups B, C and D were injected subcutaneously with CdMT). Proteinuria, albuminuria and transferrinuria were observed after the administration of CdMT, and a dose-related decrease following the increased STZ dose was seen in Groups B, C and D. The concentrations of metallothionein (MT) and zinc (Zn) in liver and kidney were dose-dependently increased in Groups B, C and D. Induction of increased MT synthesis in liver and kidney as the result of the STZ treatment was observed in this study. In particular, a remarkable increase in liver MT concentration was induced by STZ, and transport to the kidney of MT synthesized in liver may perhaps explain the protection against cadmium nephrotoxicity in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Topics: Animals; Cadmium; Chromatography, Gel; Cytosol; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Liver; Male; Metallothionein; Metals; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Streptozocin; Transferrin; Urination

Mice pretreated with Zn have increased renal metallothionein (MT) levels and are protected from CdMT nephrotoxicity. To determine whether MT is important in this Zn-induced protection against CdMT-induced nephrotoxicity, MT-transgenic mice that have high levels of MT in their kidneys (10-fold over control mice) have been studied to determine whether they are resistant to CdMT-induced nephrotoxicity. Mice were injected with CdMT (0.1-0.6 mg Cd/kg, iv) and kidney injury was evaluated 24 hr later. CdMT produced renal toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. At a nephrotoxic dose of CdMT (0.4 mg Cd/kg), urinary protein and glucose excretion were increased 30- and 60-fold, respectively, in control mice. However, similar increases in protein and glucose excretion were also observed in MT-transgenic mice. CdMT also induced a similar dose-dependent proximal tubular cell necrosis in both control and MT-transgenic mice in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of control mice with Zn (100 micromol/kg, sc x 2 days) increased renal MT to levels similar to those of untreated MT-transgenic mice and protected against CdMT-induced renal injury. Furthermore, when Zn (25-100 micromol/kg, sc) was given immediately before CdMT injection (i.e., without preinduction of MT), it was still effective in preventing CdMT nephrotoxicity. We conclude that Zn-induced protection against CdMT nephrotoxicity does not appear to be due to induction of renal MT.

Topics: Animals; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glycosuria; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Male; Metallothionein; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; Proteinuria

The cadmium-metallothionein (CdMT) injection model was used to examine whether multiple short-interval injections of CdMT, instead of a single dose, could better reproduce the features of chronic exposure to inorganic cadmium. Male Wistar rats were given an initial CdMT dose and four subsequent doses subcutaneously at 2-h intervals. A control group, given saline, was compared with a low dose group (0.2 + 4 x 0.1 mg Cd/kg b.w.) and high dose group (0.4 + 4 x 0.1 mg Cd/kg b.w.). Nephrotoxic effects were seen at the high dose. A marked proteinuria began 6-12 h after the first injection and extended to day 9. A progressive, unreversed calciuria appeared at 6 h and reached its maximum at day 13. This was a marked increase in duration compared with the transient peaks of proteinuria and calciuria observed in previous single dose studies. The unreversed calciuria and the marked proteinuria are suggestive of residual tubular damage, which may be irreversible. In conclusion, the model with multiple short-interval CdMT injections more closely reproduces the situation in long-term exposure to inorganic cadmium, compared to the single dose models previously employed.

Topics: Animals; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Injections, Subcutaneous; Kidney Diseases; Kidney Tubules; Male; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Wistar

To investigate the extra susceptibility of diabetics to some nephrotoxic agents, adult normal and diabetic Chinese hamsters (6-7 animals in each group) were injected subcutaneously with different doses of cadmium-metallothionein (Cd-MT) equivalent to 0.0, 0.1 or 0.25 mg Cd/kg body weight and the first 24 hr urinary outputs were collected. Several days prior to exposure to the Cd-MT the diabetic hamsters were hyperglycaemic, and plasma insulin levels and body weights were elevated in some of the diabetics. The higher dose of Cd-MT caused significant spillage of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (U-NAG) activity and protein into the urine of both normal and diabetic animals. The higher dose of Cd-MT was more toxic to the diabetic kidneys because U-NAG levels were higher in the diabetics (2.5-fold higher than normal). U-Cd levels were proportional to the injected Cd-MT dose. U-Zn levels were not consistently affected by the injected Cd-MT although it had contained small amounts of Zn. Therefore, genetic diabetes in the Chinese hamster appears to increase susceptibility to acute cadmium-MT nephrotoxicity. The mechanisms underlying this need to be further investigated.

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Cadmium; Cricetinae; Cricetulus; Diabetes Mellitus; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Injections, Subcutaneous; Insulin; Kidney; Metallothionein; Proteinuria

In this study, we compared results obtained in protein calorie malnourished (PCM) monkeys and controls given Cd2+ (5 mg Cd2+/kg body wt./day) orally for 24 weeks. After 16 weeks of Cd2+ exposure, an indolent renal failure develops in PCM monkeys which resulted in significant increase in urinary excretion of total protein, Cd2+, Zn2+ and Ca2+ as compared to corresponding to Cd(2+)-treated control group. In isolated proximal tubule brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV), Cd2+, Zn2+ and Ca2+ transport were significantly impaired in Cd(2+)-exposed PCM monkeys as compared to Cd(2+)-treated controls. The mechanism of higher urinary excretion of Cd2+, Zn2+ and Ca2+ was examined by analyzing the kinetic parameters of transport systems. The kinetic studies of Cd2+, Zn2+ and Ca2+ transport systems in the BBMV preparations of Cd(2+)-exposed PCM monkeys exhibited a significant decrease in Vmax and an appreciable increase in Km as compared to Cd(2+)-treated controls. These findings suggested that Cd2+ treatment of PCM monkeys caused either a decrease in the number of transporters in the brush border membrane or an increase in the number of less active transporters for Cd2+, Zn2+ and Ca2+. Furthermore, brush border membrane-bound enzymes, viz. alkaline phosphatase and leucine aminopeptidase, activities were significantly impaired in Cd(2+)-exposed PCM monkeys. Cadmium content in kidney cortex of Cd(2+)-exposed PCM monkeys was 3.34-fold higher than Cd(2+)-exposed controls. These findings also established that Cd2+ not bound to metallothionein (MT) was significantly higher in Cd-exposed PCM monkeys, which may be an important determinant in renal toxicity by interacting with sensitive sites in the renal cells and causing renal damage in Cd-exposed PCM monkeys.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Alkaline Phosphatase; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Biological Transport; Cadmium; Calcium; Diet, Protein-Restricted; Kidney; Kidney Cortex; Kinetics; Leucyl Aminopeptidase; Macaca mulatta; Male; Metallothionein; Microvilli; Protein-Energy Malnutrition; Proteinuria; Renal Insufficiency; Zinc

Cadmium metallothionein (CdMT) was injected subcutaneously into obese hyperglycaemic Umeå ob/ob mice or their lean litter mates (normal mice) at doses of 0, 0.1 and 0.4 mg Cd/kg. Proteinuria and calciuria were induced in both types of mice, but in the ob/ob mice this condition developed at a lower dose of CdMT (0.1 mg Cd/kg) than in the normal mice (0.4 mg Cd/kg). These results show, therefore, that Umeå ob/ob mice are particularly susceptible to CdMT-induced nephrotoxicity. The mechanism underlying this phenomenon needs to be further investigated. After the administration of CdMT, a dose-related increase in glycosuria was observed in both types of mice, in spite of decreased levels of serum insulin and glucose. It is suggested that such glycosuria induced by CdMT could be one of the signs of cadmium nephrotoxicity. The results of the present study thus indicate that metabolic changes like those in diabetes may increase susceptibility to cadmium-induced renal tubular damage.

Topics: Animals; Blood Glucose; Calcium; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Injections, Subcutaneous; Insulin; Kidney Diseases; Kidney Tubules; Liver; Male; Metallothionein; Mice; Mice, Obese; Obesity; Pancreas; Proteinuria; Tissue Distribution

Cadmium-metallothionein (Cd-MT) may have a role in the pathogenesis and irreversibility of Cd nephrotoxicity. In the present study, rats were injected with 0.3 mg Cd/kg body wt per week as Cd-MT for 5 consecutive weeks and a group of rats (n = 3) was killed 24 hr after each injection. A group of three rats was kept for an additional week after the 5 weeks of Cd-MT injection for recovery. After the first injection, urinary Cd and protein levels and kidney/body wt ratio were increased. The electrophoretic pattern of urinary protein showed increased excretion of low-molecular-weight proteins, especially after the first injection of Cd-MT. Tubular cell necrosis occurred after the first week with renal Cd levels of only 10 micrograms/g and gradually progressed to severe necrosis with inflammation in 3 weeks and then to interstitial fibrosis in 5 weeks. The levels of Cd and MT in kidney increased with repeated injection of Cd-MT, but renal Cd was about 40 micrograms/g after 5 weeks of injection. Urinary Cd and MT levels progressively increased during the Cd exposure period, but returned to pretreatment levels during the sixth week (recovery period). Renal cell necrosis and inflammation were absent at the sixth week, but interstitial fibrosis persisted. This study indicates that nephrotoxicity of Cd in this model is related to urinary excretion of Cd-MT and that renal cell injury may be independent of Cd in the renal cortex. Nephrotoxicity occurs at levels much lower than the proposed critical concentration for Cd (200 micrograms Cd/g) following long-term exposure to CdCl2. However, in the absence of continued Cd exposure from liver or circulation, the Cd-MT-induced renal damage is reversible.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Body Weight; Cadmium; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Kidney; Kidney Tubules, Proximal; Liver; Male; Metallothionein; Necrosis; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

One group of male Wistar rats (Group B) was pretreated by a daily subcutaneous injection with CdCl2 during 5 days with increasing doses (0.5, 1, 1, 2 and 2 mg Cd/kg). Another group of rats (Group A) was daily given normal saline subcutaneously for 5 days. On the second day after the last injection, a single s.c. injection of 109Cd-metallothionein (CdMT, 0.4 mg Cd/kg) was given to each animal in both groups. Urinary calcium, protein, metallothionein (MT), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and gamma glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) were measured. In Group A, calciuria, proteinuria, metallothioneinuria and enzymuria was induced by CdMT. Calciuria reached a peak during 0-6 h after the administration of CdMT, thus appearing earlier than other effects. Enzymuria was displayed at 6-12 h for gamma-GT and 12-24 h for NAG. A prominent increase of proteinuria appeared at 24-48 h after the challenge of CdMT. In Group B, no significant increase of urinary calcium, protein, or NAG was observed after the CdMT injection and urinary gamma-GT was only slightly elevated, thus demonstrating the protective action of pretreatment. This study demonstrates for the first time that calciuria, one of the signs of cadmium nephrotoxicity, can be prevented by cadmium pretreatment. Urinary MT increased slightly during the 4-5 days of CdCl2 pretreatment. This is in accordance with previous observations that cadmium pretreatment induces new synthesis of MT which is likely to constitute the background for the resistance to the CdMT challenge to the kidney.

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Animals; Cadmium; Cadmium Chloride; Calcium; Chlorides; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Kidney Diseases; Kidney Tubules; Male; Metallothionein; Nephrons; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Time Factors

Wistar rats were treated with gentamicin in single (80 mg/kg) or repeated doses (7 x 40 mg/kg) subcutaneously. Total protein as well as excretion of essential metals (Cu, Zn) with the urine were determined 24 hr after 1, 3 and 7 dosages as well as 3 and 7 days after the termination of administration. At the same time kidneys were examined histopathologically by light microscopy. Simultaneously, Cu, Zn and metallothionein levels in kidneys and liver were determined. Rats receiving gentamicin demonstrated progressive renal proximal tubular necrosis at the end of 7 days administration. At the same time elevated copper and zinc levels were observed in urine. These essential metals seem to be an indicator of gentamicin nephrotoxicity.

Topics: Animals; Copper; Female; Gentamicins; Kidney; Kidney Tubular Necrosis, Acute; Kidney Tubules, Proximal; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Zinc

The relative tissue distribution and toxicity of cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) in the liver and kidneys of rats when the metals are administered as either inorganic salts or complexed with MT were studied. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected (i.v.) with Cd or Hg inorganic salt of chloride or in a complex of MT at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg body weight. The concentration of MT and metals in plasma and urine was monitored for 7 days, at the end of which the rats were killed. Injection of both HgCl2 and Hg-MT induced the synthesis of MT only in the kidney but not in the liver, whereas CdCl2 and Cd-MT injections induced MT synthesis in both liver and kidney, respectively. Plasma MT levels increased 3 days after CdCl2 but not after HgCl2 injection, suggesting that hepatic MT may be an important source of plasma MT under our experimental conditions. Renal toxicity was observed morphologically and by an increase in blood urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine, proteinuria in rats injected with Cd-MT and both forms of Hg. Urinary MT excretion was significantly elevated in Cd-MT injected rats compared with those injected with CdCl2. However, HgCl2 and Hg-MT injected rats showed no significant difference in urinary MT excretion. The magnitude in the renal accumulation of Hg is similar after the administration of Hg-MT or HgCl2, but our findings suggest that the site of epithelial injury may be different. Injury effects of Hg-MT localized mainly in the terminal portions of the proximal convoluted tubule and the initial portions of the proximal straight tubule whereas inorganic Hg caused necrosis in pars recta segments of the proximal tubule.

Topics: Animals; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Cadmium; Kidney; Liver; Male; Mercury; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Factorial experimental design was used to study the protective effects of Zn and Cu on cadmium-metallothionein(CdMT)-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats. In the factorial design two levels of Zn (0 and 25 mg/kg body weight), two levels of Cu (0 and 12.5 mg/kg), and two levels of CdMT (0.1 and 0.4 mg of Cd/kg) were used as varied factors. The factorial design was complemented with a center point with all three variables at an intermediate setting, i.e., Zn at 12.5 mg/kg, Cu at 6.25 mg/kg, and CdMT at 0.25 mg Cd/kg. Each of the nine combinations of settings was administered to one of nine groups with six rats in each. Zn and Cu were injected sc 24 hr prior to the injection of CdMT. The concentrations of protein and Ca in urine and Ca in renal cortex were used as effects. The relationship between the experimental design settings and the effects were modeled with multiple regression. The multiple regression analysis revealed that for the high dose of CdMT (i) the enhanced values of protein in urine caused by CdMT injection could be more efficiently reduced by Zn than by Cu, and (ii) excessive Ca in urine and renal cortex could be more efficiently reduced by Cu than by Zn. No significant synergism or antagonism between Cu and Zn was found. These models can be used to estimate the dose levels of Zn and Cu which will reduce the toxic effects of CdMT. The treatment of 20.4 mg/kg Zn, for example, will reduce the effects of 0.4 mg Cd/kg as CdMT on protein in urine, and 2.8 mg/kg Cu will reduce the Ca in urine to the levels of those caused by 0.25 mg Cd/kg (no Zn and Cu). Similarly, the effect of 0.4 mg Cd/kg on Ca level in renal cortex can be reduced to that of 0.28 mg Cd/kg as CdMT by 7.98 mg Cu/kg, which is three times as efficient as Zn. The obtained results might be of importance in understanding the mechanism of cadmium toxicity and the potential risk to the health of the population exposed to cadmium occupationally or environmentally.

Topics: Animals; Cadmium; Calcium; Copper; Kidney Cortex; Kidney Diseases; Male; Mathematical Computing; Metallothionein; Models, Biological; Multivariate Analysis; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Regression Analysis; Zinc

Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is a classic nephrotoxic agent. While it is well established that HgCl2 can induce metallothionein synthesis in the kidney and also cause damage to the pars recta region of the renal tubule, the urinary losses of essential elements like calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) probably related to this process, have not been described. In this study, calcium, magnesium, metallothionein (MT), as well as sodium (Na) and potassium (K) in urine, kidney cortex and liver were measured in male Wistar rats after two daily injections of HgCl2 (0.5 or 1.0 mg Hg/kg body weight intraperitoneally). As compared with controls, there was a significant 3-4-fold increase in calcium excretion which reached its maximum at 8-12 and 32-36 hr after treatment with 1.0 mg Hg/kg. Urinary magnesium excretion was also increased in a similar way as the calcium excretion. At 12-16 hr, urinary magnesium in the 1.0 mg Hg/kg dose group was 3.4 times higher than that of the controls. Urinary MT level in HgCl2 treated rats was much higher than that in the controls, the maximum excretion was between 24-28 and 32-36 hrs preceeded by the peak of Hg in urine. Na and K concentrations in urine decreased significantly in rats treated with HgCl2. The present study thus demonstrates that increases of urinary calcium and magnesium excretion are early toxic effects of HgCl2 on the kidney. It gives support to the hypotheses implying these ion imbalances in the mechanism of elicitation of renal toxicity by mercury.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Animals; Calcium; Diuresis; Kidney Cortex; Liver; Magnesium; Male; Mercuric Chloride; Metallothionein; Natriuresis; Potassium; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains

The comparative renal toxicity of rats after injection of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn)-metallothioneins (MTs) with different Cd/Zn ratios at the same dose of 200 micrograms MT-bound Cd/kg was studied. From determination of the urinary excretion of protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glucose, which are indices of Cd-induced renal damage, the extent of the renal toxicity of the MTs used here was in the order (1 Cd/0Zn)-MT = (2Cd/1Zn)-MT greater than (1Cd/2Zn)-MT greater than (1Cd/6Zn)-MT. The characterization of Cd, Zn and Cu in the urine after injection of MTs was examined using a Sephadex G-75 column. (1Cd/0Zn)-MT injection showed that Cd was present mainly in lower-molecular-weight fractions, with only small amounts of Cd in the MT fraction. Upon injection of other MTs, Cd was present mainly in the MT fraction and increased with decreasing Cd/Zn ratio. Zn was present mainly in lower-molecular-weight fractions and Cu mainly in the MT fraction, indicating the replacement of MT-bound Zn by Cu. The cumulative urinary excretion of Cd during 12 days after injection of MTs decreased with increasing Cd/Zn ratio. The Cd content of the kidney and liver increased with increasing Cd/Zn ratio. The results of this study indicate that in rats injected with MTs with different Cd/Zn ratios, the renal uptake of Cd increases with increasing Cd/Zn ratio, resulting in more severe renal damage.

Topics: Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Cadmium; Chromatography, Gel; Copper; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glycosuria; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Kidney; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Zinc

The effect of N-benzyl-D-glucamine dithiocarbamate (BGD) on the renal toxicity induced by acute exposure to cadmium-metallothionein (Cd-MT) in rats was studied. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with BGD (400 mumol/kg) 6, 12, or 24 h after intraperitoneal injection of Cd-MT (1.78 mumol Cd as Cd-MT/kg) and thereafter they received three injections of BGD (400 mumol/kg) daily for 3 days. Urinary protein concentration and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity significantly increased 1 day after Cd-MT treatment and decreased to control levels at 9 days after the treatment. Urinary excretion of glucose and amino acids rose gradually reaching maximum levels 5 days after Cd-MT treatment and returned to the control levels at 9 days. BGD injection significantly reduced the increases in the urinary excretion of protein, AST, glucose and amino acid, which were produced by Cd-MT treatment. Significant increases in urine volume were observed after Cd-MT treatment. BGD injection inhibited the increase in urine volume caused by Cd-MT treatment. A long time interval (12 and 24 h) between the administrations of Cd-MT and BGD resulted in a decreased protective effect of BGD against Cd-MT-induced renal damage. Following Cd-MT injection, the major route of excretion of cadmium (Cd) was via the urine and the kidney was the major site of accumulation of Cd. BGD injection remarkably increased the urinary excretion of Cd, resulting in a significant reduction in the kidney Cd concentration. The results of this study indicate that BGD injection is effective in decreasing the Cd concentration in the kidney, resulting in the protective effect on Cd-MT-induced renal damage.

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Bile; Cadmium; Chelating Agents; Glycosuria; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Liver; Male; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Sorbitol; Thiocarbamates; Tissue Distribution

Urinary cadmium (Cd), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), metallothionein (MT), beta 2-microglobulin (BMG), and blood cadmium were determined in 79 workers who had been employed at a Cd pigment factory in Japan. The workers who had been dealing with Cd pigment manufacturing processes were estimated to be exposed to cadmium pigment dust at a maximum concentration of 3.0 micrograms/m3/8 h for about 20 years. The urinary Cd level ranged from 0.2 to 9.7 micrograms/g creatinine with a geometric mean of 1.02 micrograms/g creatinine. Pearson's correlation coefficients between logarithm of urinary Cd and that of NAG, MT, and BMG in urine were 0.45, 0.62, and 0.05, respectively. The correlation coefficients between blood Cd and urinary NAG, MT, and BMG were 0.21, 0.40, and -0.074, respectively. When partial correlation coefficients were calculated to exclude the contribution of age factor, urinary Cd turned out to be significantly correlated with urinary MT (r = 0.55) and NAG (r = 0.52). The present results indicate that urinary Cd is more closely associated with urinary MT and NAG than with BMG, and suggest that MT and NAG could be good indicators of Cd absorption in a Cd-exposed population whose mean urinary Cd level is relatively low, or less than 10 micrograms/g creatinine.

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Adult; Air Pollutants, Occupational; beta 2-Microglobulin; Cadmium; Cadmium Poisoning; Hexosaminidases; Humans; Metallothionein; Occupational Diseases; Proteinuria

Renal functions were damaged at the reabsorptive site by the injection of cadmium-metallothionein (Cd-MT) and its effect on discrimination of chemically similar elements was examined for the two alkaline-earth elements, calcium (Ca) and strontium (Sr). Tubular damage was induced in female Wistar rats, 7 wk old, body wt 145.1 +/- 3.5 g (mean +/- S.D.), by an intraperitoneal injection of Cd-MT (400 micrograms Cd/kg body wt). The Cd-MT injection caused increases in urinary enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase; alkaline phosphatase), glucose, and total protein. Urinary Ca and Sr increased and urinary Sr/Ca ratio decreased rapidly after the Cd-MT injection. Both changes remained at significant levels throughout the experiment. On the other hand, renal Ca and Sr levels increased with time after 18 or 24 h and changed similarly. Although plasma levels of Ca and Sr slightly increased after 30 or 36 h post-injections, the plasma Sr/Ca level remained constant. A close exponential relationship formed between the relative clearances of Ca and Sr. There was no significant difference between the exponent of the following equation (K) for the Cd-MT-injected group and that for the control group. Sr clearance/creatinine clearance = (Ca clearance/creatinine clearance)K where K = 0.408 from experimental data for the two groups. This suggests that the discrimination mechanism between Sr and Ca during the reabsorptive step in the kidney is strictly regulated.

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Calcium; Female; Glycosuria; In Vitro Techniques; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Male; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Strontium

Prolonged cadmium exposure has been associated with proteinuria, calcuria and loss of calcium from bones in humans. Previous studies have shown that kidney uptake of cadmium in vivo results from proximal tubule absorption of the circulating cadmium metallothionein complex (CdMT), and intracellular release of the Cd2+ ion prior to induction of renal metallothionein. Parenteral administration of CdMT has been found to selectively damage the proximal tubule cell lysosome system with development of a tubular proteinuria pattern similar to that observed under chronic exposure conditions. The present studies also demonstrate a concomitant calcuria but no changes in the excretion of other electrolytes or glucose using this model. These marked changes in renal calcium metabolism occurred in the absence of mitochondrial damage, changes in total, Na/K or Mg-stimulated ATPase activities, renal ATP levels, membrane 45Ca2+ transport or overt tubule cell necrosis during an 8 hour period following CdMT injection. Proteinuria and calcuria were prevented by prior zinc induction of the renal MT pool. Data from these studies indicate that renal proximal tubule cell uptake and degradation of the circulating CdMT complex produces both a marked proteinuria and calcuria. The calcuria does not appear to stem from changes in renal energy metabolism or membrane transport of this element but is probably a secondary result of calcium binding to excreted proteins which are increased in urine to a similar extent. The studies also suggest that zinc status and maintenance of the renal ZnMT pool may play an important role in regulating cadmium-induced renal proteinuria and calcuria by preventing Cd2+ perturbation of the proximal tubule cell lysosome system.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Biological Transport; Ca(2+) Mg(2+)-ATPase; Calcium; Cell Membrane; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Kidney Tubules, Proximal; Lysosomes; Metallothionein; Mitochondria; Proteinuria; Rats; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; Zinc

Time dependent changes in urinary biochemical indicators for renal tubular injury and dysfunction were determined in female Wistar rats after an intraperitoneal injection of cadmium-metallothionein (Cd-MT) (50, 150 or 300 micrograms Cd/kg body wt) to further characterize the tubular damage caused by Cd. The Cd-MT injection caused dose-dependent increases in urinary activities of the enzymes (alkaline phosphatase; gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase; lactate dehydrogenase, LDH; N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase) on day 1, which appeared to reflect the tubular injury. The rate of increase in LDH, a cytosolic enzyme, was the largest among those of the enzymes. This result coincided with the data reported for repeated administration of ionic Cd to rats, suggesting that the feature of tubular injury caused by an injection of Cd-MT is similar to that by chronic exposure to ionic Cd. Changes in urinary glucose and total protein, indicators of tubular dysfunction, and metals (Cd, zinc and copper) were accompanied with those in urinary enzymes. Hydrocarbons in breath of rats injected with Cd-MT at a dose of 300 micrograms Cd/kg body weight were also determined as an indicator of in vivo lipid peroxidation. The levels of ethane and propane were significantly increased at 12 h after injection, which suggests that lipid peroxidation is partly involved in the tubular damage reflected by the increases in urinary enzymes.

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Animals; Cadmium; Copper; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Kidney Tubules; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Lipid Peroxides; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains

After a s.c. injection of 0.4 mg Cd/kg as cadmium-metallothionein (CdMT) in rats, a marked increase in urinary protein concentration appeared at 16-40 h. There was a peak of urinary Cd content during the first 4 h after the treatment. Urinary Ca was increased at 8 h after the CdMT injection and returned to normal level at 32 h. Luminal and basolateral renal membrane vesicles were isolated from both control group and CdMT (0.4 mg Cd/kg) group at 24 h after the injection. Calcium uptake and binding of both fractions were decreased in the group treated with CdMT. Cd, Zn and MT concentrations in the kidney cortex were increased, but Ca concentration was not significantly changed. Since injected CdMT is probably only partly reabsorbed by tubular cells at the dose level of 0.4 mg Cd/kg as CdMT, excessive plasma CdMT is rapidly excreted in urine, explaining the increased Cd excretion during the first few hours observed in the present experiment. Decreased Ca binding in the luminal membranes as observed in vitro could be one of the mechanisms of production of calcuria if occurring in vivo. Another possible explanation of calcuria is that Cd ions released from CdMT into the cytoplasm of the tubular cell, may exert ionic interference with Ca transport across the luminal membranes and produce decreased Ca reabsorption. It is known that a disturbance of Ca metabolism could influence the membrane stability and such a change may contribute to explaining the proteinuria characteristic of CdMT nephrotoxicity. The reversibility of the proteinuria observed after a single dose of CdMT may be related to the induction of metallothionein synthesis in the renal cells.

Topics: Animals; Basilar Membrane; Calcium; Injections, Subcutaneous; Kidney Cortex; Male; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Zinc

Three groups of rats (B-D) were given various daily doses of CdCl2 (0.5-2 mg Cd/kg) continuously or in intervals during time periods of 1-8 weeks. Another group of animals (A) were kept untreated. At the end of the period, selected subgroups of groups A-D were given a single subcutaneous injection of 109Cd-metallothionein (109CdMT) 0.05 or 0.4 mg Cd/kg ("challenge dose"). Subsequently, urinary creatinine, protein, Cd, 109Cd and MT and kidney cortex Cd, 109Cd and MT were determined. In group A (no long term pretreatment), an increased proteinuria was observed after the rats had received the lower of the challenge doses of 109CdMT, and an even greater increase after the higher challenge dose of 109CdMT. No such increase appeared in group B, C and D (repeatedly pretreated with CdCl2) at either of the challenge doses. Higher metallothionein concentrations in kidney cortex observed in the pretreated groups constitute a plausible explanation of the protective effects of pretreatment against the development of increased proteinuria after challenge dosing. It is likely that increasing Cd concentrations, gradually accumulating in the renal cortex (22-226 micrograms/g wet wt.) as a result of the pretreatment, served to induce the synthesis of metallothionein in the renal cortical cells, thus making them resistant to the challenge from 109CdMT.

Topics: Acute Disease; Animals; Cadmium; Cadmium Chloride; Kidney Diseases; Male; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats

Cadmium chloride was injected subcutaneously (s.c.) into female Wistar rats at a dose of 1 mg Cd/kg body weight, 5 times a week up to 10 weeks. At specified intervals, 24-h urine was collected and the excreted amounts of metallothionein (MT), cadmium, copper, zinc and several indicators of renal damage were determined. Concentrations of cadmium and MT in the livers and kidneys of rats were also determined. Both cadmium and MT in the livers and kidneys were increased upon cadmium exposure. The urinary MT excretion started to increase within a week after the start of exposure. This increased excretion preceded those of enzymes and total protein as well as histopathological abnormalities in the proximal tubular cells. After the occurrence of tubular damage that disturbs reabsorption of MT, MT in urine was drastically increased. These results indicate that urinary MT levels may be an indicator not only of cadmium exposure but also of tubular damage.

Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Cadmium; Cadmium Chloride; Copper; Female; Kidney; Kidney Tubules; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Liver; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Zinc

Epithelial cells from the kidney were freshly isolated from rats pretreated by daily subcutaneous doses of CdCl2 in vivo (0.5-2 mg Cd/kg X 5). Such cells were incubated in vitro in media with different concentrations of cadmium chloride (0-200 micrograms Cd/ml). There was no inhibition of cell growth in such cells. However, in cells isolated from non-treated rats, in vitro exposure to the same concentrations of CdCl2 caused a dose dependent decrease in viability. When cells, isolated from non-treated rats were pretreated in vitro with CdCl2 (10 micrograms/ml) and subsequently exposed to cadmium chloride (0-200 micrograms/ml), a protective effect was observed, which was similar to the one observed in cells isolated from animals pretreated with CdCl2. The concentration of metallothionein in the cells treated with cadmium was increased. A lower uptake of cadmium chloride, in vitro has been observed in kidney cells pretreated in vivo or in vitro compared to nonpretreated cells. Subcellular distribution studies indicate that Cd-distribution was similar in pretreated and non-pretreated cells, but concentrations were generally lower in the pretreated cells. The decreased uptake of Cd by pretreated kidney cells is a sign of Cd-interference with cellular function. These changes are suggested as a contributing mechanism to the prevention of acute toxic effects of cadmium on the kidney.

Topics: Animals; Cadmium; Cadmium Chloride; Cadmium Poisoning; Cell Survival; Drug Resistance; Female; Kidney; Male; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Time Factors

Studies of protein excretion were undertaken in seven males, aged 35-42 years, who had more than 5 years exposure to industrial lead and had clinically established Pb intoxication. Heavy metal intoxication with Cd and Hg causes proximal tubular abnormalities, i.e., aminoaciduria, glycosuria, phosphaturia. Similar abnormalities occur in Pb intoxication except that the nature of the proteinuria remains controversial. Studies of urinary proteins included 24-hr urine protein excretion, dextran gel separations, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and beta 2 microglobulin (B2M) measurements. Creatinine clearances, and serum B2M concentrations were normal. Urine total protein distribution by SDS-PAGE and the B2M excretion rate were also normal. These data imply that the nephrotoxicity of Cd and Hg are different than that of Pb. We speculate on what might account for this difference. This study suggests that when examining a population exposed to Pb, the finding of tubular proteinuria should alert investigators to search for the presence of other toxic agents.

Topics: Adult; Cadmium; Humans; Kidney; Lead; Lead Poisoning; Male; Metallothionein; Molecular Weight; Proteinuria

In workers chronically exposed to cadmium and without signs of renal insufficiency, plasma proteins with molecular weight ranging from 11,800 to 450,000 are excreted in greater amount in urine. Increased urinary excretion of low and high molecular weight proteins can occur independently. Because of its greater stability in urine and provided a sensitive immunological technique is used, the determination of retinol-binding protein is a more practical and reliable test of proximal tubular function than beta 2-microglobulin. The evaluation of renal function of workers removed from cadmium exposure indicates that cadmium-induced renal lesions, albeit of slow progression, are not reversible when exposures ceases. In workers chronically exposed to cadmium or removed from cadmium exposure, metallothionein in urine is directly correlated with cadmium in urine but not with cadmium in blood or years of cadmium exposure. The association between cadmium in urine and metallothionein in urine is independent of the status of renal function and the intensity of current exposure to cadmium. Whereas the repeated IP injection of high doses of cadmium to rat gives rise to a mixed or tubular type proteinuria, the prolonged oral administration of cadmium results mainly in the development of a glomerular type proteinuria. The former is usually reversible after cessation of treatment whereas the latter is not. Circulating antiglomerular basement membrane antibodies have been found in man and in rat chronically exposed to cadmium. The pathogenic significance of this finding deserves further investigation.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Animals; beta 2-Microglobulin; Cadmium; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Metallothionein; Middle Aged; Proteinuria; Rats; Retinol-Binding Proteins; Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma

Twenty-one male rabbits were divided into three groups: rabbits of two groups were given pelleted food containing cadmium chloride at a dose level of 300 micrograms Cd/g over periods of 44 or 19 weeks. Rabbits of the last group were given ordinary commercial pelleted food and served as controls. Cadmium increased urinary protein and amino acid by week 19 and increased it to a remarkably high level by week 44. After cessation of cadmium exposure, rabbits of the first group (44 weeks exposure group) showed only little recovery from cadmium health effects: proteinuria and aminoaciduria were slightly improved. Depressed hepatic functions were also slightly improved, but did not return to the control level in 24 weeks. Fat and bone metabolism also remained depressed below the control level. Anemia did not also readily recover. On the other hand, rabbits of the second group (19 weeks exposure) recovered from the effects of cadmium: proteinuria and aminoaciduria in most animals disappeared soon after the end of cadmium exposure, plasma GPT fell after 1 week, and hemoglobin and hematocrit returned to normal in 6-11 weeks. The above results show that after cessation of cadmium exposure, mild cadmium-induced health effects were reversible in a short period, while more severe effects were not readily reversible. High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) profiles of renal and hepatic cadmium-thionein (Cd-MT) during and after exposure to cadmium showed no correlation to the degree of cadmium health effects, and therefore, did not help to elucidate mechanisms of the recovery from cadmium-induced health effects, probably because cadmium not bound with metallothionein (non-MT-Cd) is responsible for inducing renal effects.

Topics: Amino Acids; Anemia; Animals; Blood; Body Weight; Cadmium; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Copper; Glycosuria; Kidney; Liver; Male; Metallothionein; Molecular Weight; Proteinuria; Rabbits

Topics: Animals; Blood Proteins; Cadmium Poisoning; Chromatography, Gel; Copper; Kidney Cortex; Liver; Male; Metalloproteins; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rabbits; Tissue Distribution; Zinc

Topics: Animals; Blood Proteins; Humans; Kidney Tubules; Metallothionein; Microvilli; Molecular Weight; Proteinuria; Rats

The significance of elevated excretion of metallothionein in urine of women living in cadmium-polluted areas of Japan was studied with respect to renal dysfunction. The relationships between the concentrations of metallothionein in urine and those of other non-specific urinary indices of renal dysfunction, i.e., total protein, glucose, beta 2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, alpha-amino nitrogen and proline were examined. In addition, the relationships between urinary metallothionein and urinary cadmium and copper were also evaluated. It was found that the logarithm of the metallothionein concentration in urine was significantly correlated with the logarithm of the concentrations of each of the above parameters. When subjects with signs of renal dysfunction, including "itai'itai" disease patients and patients suspected of the disease, were compared with subjects with normal renal functions, as a group, the former excreted significantly higher concentrations of metallothionein in their urine than the latter. The results suggest that the elevated excretion of metallothionein is not only an index of excessive cadmium exposure, but also of renal dysfunction caused by chronic exposure to this metal.

Topics: Aged; Cadmium Poisoning; Copper; Environmental Exposure; Female; Glycosuria; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Metalloproteins; Metallothionein; Middle Aged; Proteinuria

Topics: Animals; Cadmium; Creatinine; Kidney; Kinetics; Mercury; Metalloproteins; Metallothionein; Mice; Proteinuria

In rats injected with 5 micron mole CdCl2/kg, 5 days/week, metallothionein was detected in plasma by gel filtration chromatography as early as four weeks. The mean renal concentration of cadmium was 80 microgram/g. The excretion of cadmium in urine at this time was rather low and amounted to 0.01% of the total dose. The amount of metallothionein in plasma, as determined by 109Cd-binding to the 10,000 molecular weight fraction, increased markedly during week 14. Its excretion in urine, however, did not start until about 10 weeks, when the cadmium concentration in kidney approached a mean value of 212 microgram/g. Signs of renal toxicity were evident from glucosuria and proteinuria which became severe during the next four weeks. The excretion of cadmium in urine increased markedly and the majority of it was in the form of metallothionein. It is suggested that the appearance of metallothionein in plasma and urine can be used as specific indices of cadmium poisoning and that the assay of the protein in these fluids may be useful in screening for excessive cadmium exposure.

Topics: Animals; Body Burden; Cadmium; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glycosuria; Kidney; Liver; Male; Metalloproteins; Metallothionein; Proteinuria; Rats; Time Factors

Topics: Animals; Blood; Blood Pressure; Cadmium; Drinking; Eating; Growth; Heart Rate; Kidney; Liver; Male; Metalloproteins; Metallothionein; Motor Activity; Proteinuria; Rats; Testis

Topics: Animals; Biological Transport; Cadmium; Inulin; Kidney Tubules; Kinetics; Metalloproteins; Metallothionein; Myoglobin; Proteinuria; Rabbits