Description:
Objective: Cadmium is an environmental pollutant as well as a potent inhibitor of voltage-dependent calcium channels. It has been shown that cadmium can causes functional disturbanses in central and peripheral nervous system. The present study examined effects of cadmium on the spinal reflexes. Materials and Methods: Fourteen, male rats were divided two groups: Control and Cadmium. Control group animals received tap water and the rats of Cadmium group received Cadmium as in form of Cadmium Chloride (70 mg/L) diluted in their drinking water during the experimental period. At the end of the 60 days experimental period, electrical stimulated of the sciatic nerve by single pulses and the reflex potentials were recorded from the ipsilateral L5 ventral root. Results: After the statistical analysis, the amplitudes of reflex responses cadmium group was significantly increased compared to Control group. Conclusion: Subchronic exposure to Cadmium affects the rat's spinal reflex responses and point at the possible consequences in exposed humans.