Cadmium-Zinc Interactions At The Level Of Reproductive Function ���

Reproductive function relies primarily on the synthesis of hormones that ensure the development and proper functioning of reproductive systems. The toxic metal cadmium (Cd) has been widely described as an endocrine disruptor capable of interfering with certain hormones in their synthesis metabolism and action. Among the known hormonal targets of this metal are the estrogens. In the present work we planned to study the interactions between Cd and zinc (Zn) in the signaling of the hormone estradiol especially since it plays an important role in female reproductive function. For this purpose we combined two types of experimental approaches in vivo and in vitro using the zebrafish animal model as well as a cell model of the astrocytic line U251-MG. Thus we studied the effects of Cd and Zn on the development and survival of zebrafish at the embryonic stage on the one hand and on the other hand on transcriptional activation gene expression of estrogenic receptors and protein and gene expression levels of brain aromatase.