In vivo Interactions of Cadmium with Copper, Zinc and Iron

Abstract

The chemical similarities between copper, zinc, and cadmium led to the speculation that there existed a copper component of cadmium toxicity in addition to the previously shown zinc component. Cadmium was found to be toxic to chicks at dietary levels of 25 to 400 ppm in a copper- and iron-deficient diet. The toxicity resulted in a reduced growth rate, mortality, microcytic hypochromic anemia, and atony and elongation of the gizzard. The growth depression and gizzard abnormality were corrected by increased dietary zinc. The mortality was reversed by added copper indicating that the speculation which prompted the study was valid. Increased dietary iron partially corrected both the mortality and the growth depression, indicating a previously unsuspected iron component of cadmium toxicity.