Stability of a human serum albumin (HSA)-Cd (1:1) complex was studied using a hyphenated analytical approach (SEC-FAAS).

Addition of d,l-homocysteine (0.5 mM) to the mobile phase abstracted Cd from its binding sites on HSA.

Since the blood plasma concentration of d,l-homocysteine can reach 0.5 mM in certain patients (homocystinurics) and since a thiol-based carrier exists on the surface of hepatocytes, the uptake of Cd into the liver may contribute to the disease progression.

SEC-FAAS approach emerges as a useful tool to gain insight into processes which govern the translocation of toxicologically relevant metal species to their mammalian target organs.