Fe- and Zn-induced inhibition of Cd uptake in human lung cell lines: speciation studies with H441 and A549 cells.

Cadmium transport was studied in human lung cell lines A549 and H441 as a function of inorganic metal speciation. A 2-fold higher equilibrium accumulation was obtained in the A549 cells, but a specific system of transport of high affinity and low capacity was characterized in both these cells. Exposure conditions optimizing [Cd2+] increased Cd uptake, but CdCln2-n species are also taken up.