Effect of cadmium and zinc-metallothionein on methemoglobin and nitric oxide in dimethylnitrosamine treated rats.

ABSTRACT

Protective effects of metallothionein (MT) have been studied against dimethylnitosamine (DMN) toxicity in laboratory rats. MT was induced by feeding rats on repeated sublethal doses of cadmium and zinc. These rats were subsequently administered DMN. Methemoglobin and nitric oxides, the established markers of DMN toxicity, were estimated in the blood samples of MT protected rats. Preinduction of MT decreased methemoglobin and ameliorated the generation of nitric oxides. Antioxidative effects of MT may have manifested these results, however, an effect on N-nitrosation is also speculated.