Effect of Chronic Low-level Cadmium Intoxication on the Haversian Remodeling System in Dogs

This experiment was carried out in order to determine whether the chronic administration of low doses of cadmium resulted in an alteration of the haversian bone remodeling system in dogs. Two pairs of littermate beagles were administered 25 ppm cadmium chloride in their drinking water for 6 months. Four beagles matched for age and sex from the same colony served as controls. By means of fluorescent labeling, we measured haversian bone remodeling parameters according to the techniques described by Frost. Statistical analysis of the results showed significant changes at the 0.01 level in: activation frequency, appositional rates, and number of osteoid seams. At the 0.05 level, significant differences were found in the number of resorption spaces and the bone formation rate. In the absence of other evidence indicative of an alteration in the internal milieu of the dogs, it is concluded that a direct toxic action of cadmium on the mechanisms of activation of cells responsible for the creation and formation of new haversian systems cannot be excluded.