Endocrine Disruption of Cadmium in Rats Using the OECD Enhanced TG 407 Test System

ObjectiveTo evaluate the endocrine disrupting effects of cadmium (Cd) using OECD enhanced TG407 test guideline.MethodsSprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups and accordingly administered with 0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg·BW/day of Cd by gavage for 28 days. Body weight, food consumption, hematology, biochemistry, sex hormone levels, urinary β2-microglobulin, organ weights and histopathology and estrous cycle were detected.ResultsCd could significantly decrease animals' body weight (P<0.05). Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) at 10-20 mg/kg·BW groups and testosterone (T) at 2.5 and 10 mg/kg·BW groups decreased significantly (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant change was found in urinary β2-microglobulin among Cd-treatment groups (P<0.05). Endpoints related to female reproduction including uterus weight and histopathological change at 10-20 mg/kg·BW groups showed significant increase (P<0.05). While among male rats in 2.5, 10, 20 mg/kg·BW groups, weight of prostate, thyroids, and seminal vesicle glands significantly decreased (P<0.05). Moreover, no histopathological change was observed in kidney.ConclusionResults suggested that Cd can cause endocrine disrupting effects in SD rats. Comparing with possible renal toxicity of Cd, its toxicity on endocrine system was more sensitive.