The Effect of Cadmium on the Ultrastructure and Metallothionein Levels in the Liver and Kidneys of Japanese quail

Background: The aim of this study was to use Japanese quail as an animal model to evaluate the effects of cadmium (Cd) on the ultrastructure and the activity of metallothionein (MT) in the liver and kidneys. Methods: One hundred male Japanese quails were randomly divided into two Cd and control groups in 2015. The first group received 100 ppm Cd for 60 days in their feed. The ultrastructural changes of the liver and kidneys of Japanese quails were examined by the transmission electron microscope and the concentration of MT in these organs was measured. Results: The ultrastructural alternations of the liver included distension of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), mitochondrial swelling and lack of cristae, nuclear chromatin compression, and margination, the increased fat vacuole and damage to intercellular bindings. The kidneys ultrastructural alterations were mitochondrial swelling and damage to the cristae, the increased number of lysosomes, nuclear chromatin compression and margination, the decreased number of microvilli, and cell death. The concentration of MT and Cd in the liver and kidneys of the Cd group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). A positive correlation was observed between the increased concentration of Cd and MT in the liver and kidney tissues. Conclusion: The use of oral Cd caused an alternation in the ultrastructure and increased the concentration of Cd and MT in the liver and kidneys of Japanese quail.