Antagonism of cadmium-induced pulmonary toxicity by WR2721

Rats exposed to aerosols of cadmium oxide (? 60 $\text{μg}\text{l}$ for 30 min) develop severe and frequently fatal pulmonary edema. Electron muscopic examination of lung tissue revealed a progressive destruction of type I alveolar epithelial cells preceding death due to edema. Pre-exposure treatment of rats with a radioprotective agent, WR2721 (S-2-aminopropylamino)ethyl phosphorothioic acid hydrate) reduced edema formation, as measured by leakage of serum protein into the air spaces, and acute mortality.