Cadmium and selenium levels in kidneys from Danish horses.
Abstract: The content of cadmium and selenium in horse kidneys from Jutland , Denmark, in relation to age, local geographical variation and possible relationship between the two elements has been investigated. During the winter of 1982-1983 kidneys from 50 horses were sampled and analysed for cadmium and selenium. The cadmium content of the horse kidneys was recorded in connection with the age of the horses. The cadmium level increases until the animal has reached approximately 7 years of age. At this age the cadmium concentration levels off. A significant regional difference was shown. The cadmium content is higher in horse kidneys from South and Central Jutland than in kidneys from North Jutland (Fig. 2). This geographic pattern is consistent with the one for atmospheric deposition of cadmium and cadmium content in Danish cattle kidneys from Jutland . The cadmium level in kidneys from Danish horses is considerably lower than the level in Norwegian and Swedish horse kidneys. Differences in water hardness and atmospheric deposition may explain some of this difference within Scandinavian countries. The selenium concentration shows no relationship with neither age, cadmium content nor place of rearing. So, the study did not reveal any relationship between the cadmium and selenium concentrations in horse kidneys. The high level of cadmium found in Danish horse kidneys emphasizes the importance of a prohibition against the use of the kidneys in animal and human nutrition, as proposed by others.
Publication Date: 1984-01-01 PubMed ID: 6728673
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
Summary
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The study investigates the levels of cadmium and selenium in the kidneys of horses from Denmark, focusing on aspects such as the horses’ age, regional variations, and possible correlation between the two toxic elements. The main finding is the elevated level of cadmium in these horses’ kidneys, especially in animals older than seven years and in those from South and Central Jutland.
Investigation of Cadmium and Selenium Levels in Horse Kidneys
- The researchers collected kidney samples from 50 horses in Jutland, Denmark, during the winter of 1982-1983.
- The samples were analyzed for content of two elements, cadmium and selenium.
- The main purpose was to explore correlations between the levels of each element, and factors like age, geographic location, and atmospheric deposition of the cadmium in the regional environment.
Findings Related to Cadmium Levels
- It was discovered that cadmium content in horse kidneys is associated with the age of the horses; it increases until the horse is about 7 years old, and then levels off.
- There are significant regional differences in cadmium levels; the kidneys of horses from South and Central Jutland had higher cadmium content compared to those from North Jutland.
- These geographic differences align with the patterns of atmospheric cadmium deposition and cadmium content in Danish cattle kidneys.
- The cadmium levels in the Danish horses’ kidneys were significantly lower compared to their Norway and Sweden counterparts.
- This variation among Scandinavia could be a result of the differences in water hardness and atmospheric deposition.
Findings Related to Selenium Levels
- Unlike cadmium, selenium concentration in horse kidneys showed no correlation with age, geographic location, or cadmium content.
Conclusion and Implications
- The study did not show any relationship between cadmium and selenium concentrations in horse kidneys.
- The high cadmium levels found in Danish horse kidneys reinforce the need for prohibition of their use in animal and human nutrition.
Cite This Article
APA
Teilmann AM, Hansen JC.
(1984).
Cadmium and selenium levels in kidneys from Danish horses.
Nord Vet Med, 36(1-2), 49-56.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Cadmium / analysis
- Denmark
- Horses / metabolism
- Kidney / analysis
- Norway
- Selenium / analysis
- Sweden
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Paßlack N, Mainzer B, Lahrssen-Wiederholt M, Schafft H, Palavinskas R, Breithaupt A, Neumann K, Zentek J. Concentrations of strontium, barium, cadmium, copper, zinc, manganese, chromium, antimony, selenium and lead in the equine liver and kidneys. Springerplus 2014;3:343.
- Piscator M. Dietary exposure to cadmium and health effects: impact of environmental changes. Environ Health Perspect 1985 Nov;63:127-32.
- Junnila M, Korkeala H, Rahko T, Salmi A. The interaction of cadmium and selenium in horse kidney cortex in relation to histopathological changes. Acta Vet Scand 1987;28(2):201-8.
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