Effects of Cadmium on Absorption, Excretion, and Distribution of Nickel in Rats

The effects of cadmium (Cd (II)) on absorption, excretion, and distribution of nickel (Ni (II)) were studied in rats using ⁶³Ni-NiCl₂ as radiotracer in the presence and absence of CdCl₂, through intraperitoneal injection (i.p.). The time–concentration curves in the blood were fitted with a two-compartment model. The peak time (t _(peak)) is 0.31 h in the absence of Cd (II), and it is 5.5 h in the presence of Cd (II). The levels of nickels were higher at 3 h and lower (close to zero) at 24 h in all organs of interest, except kidneys, in the absence of Cd (II). There still residue Ni (II) at 72 h post-injection in the presence of Cd (II). The Cd (II) did effect the total Ni (II) excretion 24 h post-injection. Our study showed that cadmium has a competitive effect on the absorption of nickel and an inhibitory effect on the elimination of it, so cadmium may induce the bioaccumulation of nickel in the body.