Chromium, Lead, Cadmium, Nickel and Titanium in Mice: Effect on Mortality, Tumors and Tissue Levels

Abstract

About 700 mice were given throughout their lives 5 ppm cadmium, lead, chromium, nickel or titanium in drinking water while fed a diet deficient in cadmium and low in other metals. Tissue concentrations comparable to those of man were observed. Sex differences appeared. Mortality of females was unaffected. Mortality of males on cadmium, lead and nickel was increased compared with that of the chromium group, and of those on cadmium and lead compared with the controls. Longevity of the oldest 10% of both sexes was less in lead and titanium groups, and of males in cadmium group, compared with controls. No metal was carcinogenic; incidence of tumors in males on cadmium and lead, and in females given nickel was decreased. Body weights at death were greater in titanium, chromium and lead groups. Large increments of titanium, moderate increments of cadmium and nickel, and lesser increments of chromium and lead were observed in 5 organs, compared with controls. Higher concentrations of cadmium and titanium occurred in younger mice and the other metals did not increase markedly in tissues with age. All metals except chromium exhibited one or more signs of innate toxicity.