Chronic Ingestion of Cadmium and/or Tritium. II. Effects on Growth, Development, and Reproductive Function

摘要

The effects of chronic low-level exposure to cadmium (Cd) and/or tritium (HTO) on the growth and reproduction were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats. Cadmium exposure levels ranged from less than 0.1 to 5.0 ppm as CdCl2 in the drinking water, while HTO concentrations ranged from less than 0.1 to 13.0 microns Ci/ml. Exposures were started with conception of the first generation. Both insults, at the higher doses, resulted in depressed adult body weight. Chronic Cd exposure caused liver weight decrements and a decrease in sperm counts. HTO effects were manifested in a depression of several reproductive parameters and brain weights in the F2 neonates. Synergistic effects of simultaneous exposure were minimal.