Immunohistochemical localization of metallothionein in tissues of rats intoxicated by cadmium acetate and subjected to intraperitoneal injections of oxygen or oxygen-ozone mixture

Metallothionein (MT) is a low-molecular-weight, sulfhydryl-rich protein with high affinity for essential divalent metals sucn as Zn and Cu, and nonessential metals such as Cd and Hg. Exposure to metals (Cd and Zn) increases along with their concentration. In the present study, immunohistochemistry was carried out using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) method (DAKO LSAB 2 Kit for use on rat specimens) and anti-MT antibody. In the kidneys of rats intoxicated with cadmium, the highest concentration of MT was observed in the proximal convoluted tubules and vascular endothelium (endocytes). In the liver, the concentration of MT in the hepatocytes was higher than in the Browicz-Kupffer cells. The saturation of MT in the secretory cells of the exocrine portions of the pancreas was higher than in the Langerhans islet cells where the reaction was also positive. In the heart MT was observed in the cardiomyocytes. Oxygen-ozone injections lowered significantly, MT accumulation in tissues what was manifested by a reduced histochemical reaction to MT.