Defence Mechanisms Against Metal Toxicity and Their Potential Importance for Risk Assessments with Particular Reference to the Importance of Various Binding Forms in Food Stuff

摘要

This project has special emphasis on the role of metallothionein and produces a literature survey of the present knowledge regarding defence mechanisms against metal toxicity. Metallothein levels and the possible binding forms in food stuffs was studied to attain data concerning possible variations in the human and animal metabolism of cadmium depending on binding to metallothionein and other ligands. Results showed that in oysters the major part of cadmium bound to a protein with the same molecular weight and characteristics as metallothionein. When metallothionein was ingested by mice. Indications were that metallothionein bound cadmium could be metabolized in the blood without being catabolized in the gastrointestinal tract. Cadmium concentration in the blood from humans was not increased. Cadmium existing in oysters metabolizes in the body differently from cadmium in foodstuff in general. Binding forms of cadmium in oyster could be explained by metallothionein bound cadmium. Results of this project shows that the computer-model of cadmium metabolism previously presented needs to be modified. (ERA citation 09:017505)