Ageing, a factor aggravating chronic toxicity of cadmium.

Two groups, each of 4 rabbits, 17 and 4 months old, respectively, were given s.c. administrations of cadmium (Cd) at a dose level of 0.5 mg/kg/day 6 times per week for up to 32 weeks. In 17-month-old rabbits, low-molecular-weight proteinuria appeared in the 3rd week, proteinuria, glycosuria and anemia in the 6th week; and all animals died by the 8th week. In 4-month-old rabbits, low-molecular-weight proteinuria and anemia appeared in the 6th--9th weeks, proteinuria, glycosuria and aminoaciduria by the 12th week; and all animals died by the 32nd week. The results suggest that ageing may aggravate the chronic toxicity of cadmium.