Cell apoptosis of caprine spleen induced by toxicity of cadmium with different levels of molybdenum

Abstract

In order to clarify the effects of the combination of Mo and Cd on goat and relationship between the two elements, combined chronic toxicity of cadmium with different levels of molybdenum in vivo on apoptosis gene and ultrastructure of spleen was evaluated with the methods of RT-qPCR and transmission electron microscopy. A total of thirty-six goats were randomly distributed in equal number into four groups. These groups were randomly assigned with one of three oral treatments of CdCl2 (0.5 mgCd kg(-1)) and [(NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O] (15 mg Mo kg(-1), group I; 30 mg Mo kg(-1), group II; 45 mg Mo kg(-1), group III), while the control group received deionized water. Spleen tissues were taken from individual goat at different time intervals to measure the levels of apoptosis genes including Bcl-2, Bax, Cyt c, Caspase-3, Smac and ceruloplasmin (Cp). The results revealed that a significant suppression in Bcl-2 expression and increase in Cyt c, Caspase-3 and Cp expression in splenic cells. The Bax expression in group I and II was up-regulated, however, it displayed reduction in group III, whereas no statistical significance was observed on Smac expression. In addition, histopathologic injury revealed remarkable morphplogical changes on the splenocytes in the means of apoptosis including fragmentized nucleus, apoptotic body and vesiculation of cytoplasma and mitochondria. Taken together, combined chronic toxicity of cadmium with different levels of molybdenum induce goat spleen cell apoptosis associated with mitochondrial intrinsic pathway, and the two elements showed possible antergic relationship.

Keywords: Apoptosis; Cadmium; Goat; Molybdenum; Spleen; Ultrastructure.