Effect of Cadmium Exposure on Zinc Levels in Normal Non-Diabetic and Diabetic Rats Induced by Streptozotocin

Diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin and normal non-diabetic rats were exposed to cadmiumsulphate in drinking water at a dose of 200 mg / L for 30 days. At the end of the exposure, theblood, kidney and pancreas of each rat were taken for the determination of cadmium and zinc.The results show a significant increase in the level of cadmium in the blood, kidney andpancreas of normal non-diabetic rats and diabetic rats compared to the control group. Thecadmium concentration was significantly higher in plasma and tissues in diabetic rats comparedto normal non-diabetic rats. Cadmium poisoning resulted in a significant decrease in the levelof zinc in the blood and tissues of normal non-diabetic rats and diabetic rats compared to theirrespective controls. This study reveals that diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin are moresensitive to the toxic effects of cadmium than normal rats.Key words: Cadmium, zinc, plasma, pancreas, kidneys, diabetes