Atherosclerosis and hypertension induction by lead and cadmium ions: an effect prevented by calcium ion

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1981 · Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.78.10.6494· OSTI ID:5917181

Revis, N W ^[1]; Zinsmeistery, A R; Bull, R

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1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN

In epidemiological studies, both positive and negative correlations have been found between cardiovascular disease and mortality and the presence of several inorganic ions in the drinking water. In an attempt to resolve this apparent disagreement, we exposed White Carneau pigeons to drinking water containing calcium (100 ppm), magnesium (30 ppm), lead (0.8 ppm), or cadmium (0.6 ppm) and used a 2/sup 4/-factorial design to measure the effects of these elements in atherosclerosis and hypertension. The results indicate that (i) lead and cadmium induced aortic atherosclerosis and hypertension, and (ii) calcium protects against the cardiovascular effects of cadmium. Furthermore, the effects were indications that magnesium antagonized the atherosclerotic protective effect of calcium. We suggest that, if these results with the pigeon can be applied to humans, the incidence of aortic atherosclerosis and hypertension should be significantly higher in areas where the drinking water contains magnesium, lead, and cadmium with a relatively low calcium concentration. Furthermore, if hard and soft water produce similar levels of lead and cadmium uptakes, the level of magnesium may be an additional factor in aortic atherosclerosis.

• OSTI ID: 5917181
• Journal Information: Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.; (United States), Vol. 78:10
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CADMIUM
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
LEAD
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
CALCIUM IONS
DRINKING WATER
HYPERTENSION
MAGNESIUM
MORTALITY
PIGEONS
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
ANIMALS
BIRDS
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
CHARGED PARTICLES
DISEASES
ELEMENTS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
IONS
METALS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SYMPTOMS
VASCULAR DISEASES
VERTEBRATES
WATER
560306* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Man- (-1987)
520200 - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)