Factors influencing the uptake of cadmium into cells in vitro.

The uptake of cadmium was studied in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. Cadmium accumulates rapidly against a concentration gradient and uptake is dependent on incubation temperature. The presence of serum or albumin results in a reduction in Cd uptake. Several substances known to influence certain metabolic steps of cell metabolism were used to influence Cd accumulation. Of these compounds, those that blocked the SH groups of the plasma membrane exerted the strongest influence. The effect of inhibitors of endocytosis was less pronounced.