Evaluation of Changes of Kidney Parameteres in New Zealand Rabbits Subsequent to 90 Days Exposure to Uranyl Nitrate in Drinking Water

Abstract

Background: This study was undertaken to examine the reversibility of renal injury in the male New Zealand white rabbits sub­se­quent to a 90-days exposure to uranyl nitrate (UN) in drinking water. Animals were exposed for 90 days to uranyl ni­trate in their drinking water (24 or 500mg/l). Control group were given municipal tap water.

Methods: The indicators of kidney function measured in this study included glucose (marker of tubular) microalbu­min(marker of glomerular) and marker for cell toxicity was  alkaline phosphatase.

Results: Urinary glucose was found to be significantly different and positively correlated with uranium intake for rabbits. Mi­croal­buminuria was found to be significantly different but this different is in normal range. Increase of alkaline phos­phatase at weeks 2, 4, 6 was correlated with uranium intake, but at weeks 8, 10, 13 excretion of alkaline phosphatase was de­creased.

Conclusion: These results suggest that chronic ingestion of uranium in drinking water affect kidney function and to the proxi­mal tubule, rather than glomerul.