To explore the possible mechanisms of
cadmium (Cd)-induced preeclamptic conditions in rats. In the present study, we introduced the in vivo model of
preeclampsia by giving
intraperitoneal injections of
cadmium chloride (CdCl2) to pregnant rats from gestational day (GD) 4 to 19. Maternal
body weights were recorded on GD 0, 14, and 20, while their systolic blood pressures (SBPs) monitored on
GD 3, 11, and 18. On GD 20, rats were sacrificed and the specimens were collected. The morphological changes of placenta and kidney tissues of pregnant rats were examined by
hematoxylin and
eosin staining assay. Blood Cd level was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Total
antioxidant capacity (TAC) was evaluated using FRAP method and total
nitrite (NOx) was detected with
Griess reagent. Antioxidative factors and DNA damage/repair
biomarkers were measured by real-time qPCR, western blot or immunohistochemistry study. The current results showed that CdCl2-treated pregnant rats developed
preeclampsia (PE)-like manifestations, such as
hypertension,
albuminuria, with decreased TAC and increased blood Cd level, and pro-oxidative/antioxidative or DNA damage/repair
biomarkers. Our study demonstrated that increased oxidative DNA damage in placenta could contribute to Cd-induced preeclamptic conditions in rat.