EFFECTS OF CADMIUM ON THE METABOLISM OF P,P'-DDT [2,2-BIS(P-CHLOROPHENYL)-1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE] IN RATS

The effects of cadmium on the excretion and metabolism of DDT in rats were investigated. The excretion of DDT after a single parenteral administration was modified by the addition of a small amount of cadmium. The time pattern of DDT retention in the whole body was explained by a three-compartment model. An increased level of lipid content in the liver induced by cadmium was accompanied by a relative increase of DDT residue in the liver. This indicates that the effect of cadmium on the metabolism of DDT is mainly due to the change of lipid content in the liver. Since the effect of the cadmium was long-lasting, a significant elevation in the metabolic rate of DDT and a low level of DDT concentration in adipose tissue was observed after the dose of cadmium. © 1979.