Effects of zinc, cadmium, and mercury on renal transport systems

¹ Department of Physiology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

The cysteine salts of zinc, cadmium, and mercury were studied for their effects on sodium, glucose, and p-aminohippurate (PAH) transport in the anesthetized dog by means of clearance technic. PAH T_m was reduced by cadmium and zinc but not by mercury. Glucose T_m was reduced by zinc and mercury but not by cadmium. Pretreatment with dimercaptopropanol completely prevented cadmium inhibition of PAH secretion, but did not alter its enhancement of sodium reabsorption. Zinc did not alter sodium reabsorption at doses which inhibited glucose and PAH transport, but was diuretic at higher doses (3 mg/kg).