ABSTRACT
Introduction: Lithium is a therapeutic agent currently used for the treatment of aff ective disorders controlling a variety of neurotic and psychosomatic manic depressions. Th e main objective of the present work was to demonstrate the histopathological eff ects of the therapeutic doses of Lithium on the renal tubules and glomeruli in growing albino rats. Material and Methods: Th irty growing male Sprague – Dawley albino rats were used in this study. Th e rats were divided into a control group formed of 6 rats and an experimental group formed of 24 rats which received a daily therapeutic dose of 20 mg Lithium/kg body weight by the same route for 7 weeks. Th e renal cortex in all animals is examined by light and electron microscopes. Blood was collected from the sacrifi ced animals for serum creatinine, urea, sodium and potassium to access the eff ect of lithium administration in a therapeutic dose on renal function. Results: Th e present work revealed that the therapeutic doses of Lithium induced nephrotoxicity in the form of degeneration and necrosis in the renal tubules and glomeruli. Alteration in the cellular fi ne structure and degenerated cytoplasm and cytoplasmic organelles were found revealing cellular degeneration and necrosis. Glomerulosclerosis and congestion were the predominant eff ect on the renal glomeruli. Conclusion: Histological and ultrastructrual features of Lithium nephrotoxicity were detected in the current study with therapeutic doses of Lithium.