REDUCTION IN CADMIUM TERATOGENESIS BY PRIOR CADMIUM EXPOSURE

The administration of cadmium 24-48 hr prior to an optimal teratogenic dose reduces both the number and severity of congenital malformations in hamster embryos. Intraperitoneal administration is more effective in inducing this protective effect than is the subcutaneous route. Oral administration of cadmium at the same pretreatment intervals does not seem to afford any protection. It is suggested that this protection is due to the induction of maternal synthesis of a metal-binding protein, possibly metallothionein. The significance of this protective induction as it relates to the possible role of cadmium in human malformations as well as teratogenic testing is discussed. © 1979.