Use of Metallothionein-Transgenic and Null Mice to Determine the Role of Metallothionein in Cadmium Toxicity

Acute Cd exposure produces hepatotoxicity, whereas chronic Cd exposure produces nephrotoxicity, hematotoxicity, immunotoxicity and bone damage. Previous experiments suggest that the low-molecular-weight, metal-binding protein metallothionein (MT) in liver protects against liver injury, but is responsible for the kidney injury observed after chronic Cd exposure.(omitted)