Elevated cadmium concentration in emphysematous lungs.

Abstract

Tissues from subjects with severe emphysema were compared for metal content with those of age-matched control subjects. Emphysema was quantitated by the standard panel method. Cadmium and zinc concentrations were determined in the kidney, lung, and liver tissues of all subjects. Concentrations of calcium, lead, potassium, and sodium were also measured. The cadmium concentrations were significantly greater in the tissues from the emphysematous group, whereas concentrations of zinc and other metals did not differ between the groups. The differences in cadmium concentrations were greatest in the lung. It seemed probable that the pulmonary cadmium came from cigarette smoke, although it should not be concluded that cadmium caused the emphysema.