Effects of cadmium on erythrocytic parameters.

Cadmium was administered via the drinking water to rats at doses of 20 and 200 ppm for 5 weeks in order to elucidate cadmium's primary effect on the erythrocytic parameters. From the results, it appeared that the microcytic hypochromic anemia resulted from a direct effect on erythrocytic hemoglobin due to cadmium administration. It was proposed that the adverse effects on hemoglobin absorption and metabolism play a role in the development of the anemia observed.