[Biochemical mechanisms of neurotoxicity caused by cadmium].

Cadmium (Cd), which belongs to the heavy metals, is one of the major polluting component of human and animal environment. Exposure to cadmium can lead to absorption of the compounds to the organism and consequently, the toxic effects in the nervous system. The paper presents various views on the biochemical mechanisms of neurotoxicity caused by cadmium. This paper describes the disturbances in the cellular antioxidant system, generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, changes in energy production in the metabolic pathways, changes in the metabolism of biogenic amines, neurotransmitter amino acids and calcium ions and inhibition of enzymatic proteins.