Chronic cadmium-ethanol administration alters metal distribution and some biochemicals in rat brain.

Abstract The effects of cadmium (100 ppm through drinking water) and ethanol (5 g/kg by gastric gavage) administration on biogenic amines, metal distribution and certain enzymes in rat brain was investigated after 90 days of exposure. Co-exposure group revealed significant accumulation of cadmium and also increase in zinc levels compared to all the other groups. Ethanol alone decreased MAO activity and increased NE and 5-HT level while in combination with Cd, these effects were more magnified. It is, therefore, suggested that the persons consuming alcohol may be more prone to the neurotoxic effects of this metal.