Cadmium Toxicity to Ringed Seals (Phoca hispida):An Epidemiological Study of Possible Cadmium Induced Nephropathy and Osteodystrophy in Ringed Seals (Phoca hispida) from Qaanaaq in Northwest Greenland

• Main Authors: Sonne, Christian, Dietz, R., Riget, F. F., Leifsson, P. S., Hyldstrup, L.
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: National Environmental Research Institute 2000
• Subjects: cadmium; North West Greenland; ringed seal (Phoca hispida); renal toxicology; skeletal demineralisation (osteopenia); food composition; physiologic adaptation; Greenland; Qaanaaq; Phoca hispida; ringed seal
• Online Access: https://pure.au.dk/portal/da/publications/cadmium-toxicity-to-ringed-seals-phoca-hispida(22ebb1e0-7e9d-11dd-a5a8-000ea68e967b).html; http://www2.dmu.dk/1_viden/2_Publikationer/3_fagrapporter/rapporter/FR307.pdf

Cadmium concentrations in kidneys from ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from North West Greenland (Qaanaaq) are high. Concentrations range at level known to induce renal toxic effects (mainly tubulopathy) and demineralisation (osteopenia) of the skeletal system (Fanconi's Syndrome) in humans as well as laboratory mammals. We have studied possible cadmium induced histopathological changes in the kidneys as well as a demineralisation of the skeletal system (DXA-scanning of lumbal vertebraes). No obvious cadmium induced toxic changes were found. Food composition and physiological adaptations may explain the absence of toxic effects of cadmium in ringed seal