[Behavior of selected indicators of lipid metabolism in kidney and liver of rats continuously exposed to effects of cadmium].

In this research, we attempted to demonstrate whether and to what extent chronic cadmium poisoning influences lipid metabolism in the kidney and liver of rats. The presence of small quantities of cadmium was discovered in the kidneys and livers of normal animals. In the tested organs of cadmium-poisoned rats, a significant increase of the concentration of this element was observed, depending on the dose of the compound administered. Regarding lipid components, a reduced concentration of phospholipids and an increased level of free fatty acids were found in both kidney and liver. Such changes are probably the result of enzymatic disorders, especially as regards calmodulin-dependent enzymes. The content of the remaining assayed lipid compounds, i.e. triglycerides and total cholesterol, did not change in either organ under the effects of cadmium.