Effects of cadmium ingestion on blood pressure and ventricular mass in rabbits.

Ingestion of cadmium (Cd) acetate in deionized drinking water (1 ppm) in rabbits resulted in the development of hypertension and increased left ventricular mass similar to what was observed in experimental renal hypertension (Grollman technique). Regardless of the approach, mean arterial pressures (MAP) of at least 50 mm Hg greater than those of controls developed over a 34-day period. Increased left ventricular mass relative to body weight was found in both hypertensive groups. However, only an increase in renal mass was observed in unilaterally nephrectomized animals. The increased mass of hearts and kidneys that was detected after an approximately 1-month period attests to the severity of these forms of experimental hypertension. These results demonstrate that the ingestion of drinking water contaminated with Cd can cause hypertension and an increase in left ventricular mass over a short time period in rabbits.