Protective effect of cadmium acetate in trichlorobromomethane poisoning
Dessì, A.; Dore, M.; Montaldo, C.; Sanna, A.; Vargiolu, S.
Bollettino della Societa Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale 54(17): 1659-1664
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-8771 PMID: 749922 Document Number: 135187
The mixed function oxidase system (MFOS) operating in the liver converts halomethanes into more toxic metabolites. The MFOS inhibitor cadmium acetate was not capable of materially reducing mortality in Cd-pretreated rats from lethal doses of trichlorobromomethane (CBrCl3), but reduced the SGOT (serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase) level, and lowered liver triglycerides and protected against liver necrosis and steatosis, as shown by histologic tests. Protective effects against CCl4 intoxication by enzyme inhibitors such as Pb, Co, Hg and Ce have been reported. Cadmium acetate has also been reported to inhibit metabolism of aminopyrine, hexobarbital and zoxazolamine. CBrCl3 is recognized as more toxic than CCl4. The lethal outcome of treatment with CBrCl3, even with Cd protection, may be due to extrahepatic factors common to shock.