The Structural and Functional Changes Indcuced By Lithium on The Renal Cortex of Growing Albino Rats: Ultrastructure and Laboratory Study.

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.

possible protective effect of vitamin C on the kidney cortex of adult female albino rat after chronic exposure to malathion: a light and electron microscopic study

Chronic exposure to malathion is still a major medical problem in occupational and environmental settings. The raised issue of the antioxidants effect on different tissues provides a new line of protection against the inevitable exposure to insecticide residues in food or through environmental contamination. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of vitamin C supplementation on renal cortical tissue after chronic exposure to malathion. Thirty female albino rats aged 3 months were divided into three equal groups: group I control adults were fed the basal diet; group II was given commercial malathion dissolved in distilled water orally by intragastric tube at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 2 months; and group III was given malathion in the previously described way at the same dose in addition to vitamin C [pure ascorbic acid powder] dissolved in distilled water and given orally by intragastric tube at a dose of 20 mg/100 g/day for 2 months. The specimens were obtained from the kidney and prepared for light and electron microscopic examinations. Morphometric and statistical studies were carried out in the three studied groups. It was observed that treatment with malathion disrupted the normal histological structure of the renal cortex. Thickened glomerular basement membrane was evident. There was widespread vacuolation of tubular lining epithelium and increased heterochromatin clumps in most of the nuclei. The mitochondria appeared disorganized with loss of cristae. The diameter of renal corpuscles and renal tubules increased, whereas tubular epithelium height decreased significantly compared with the control. Moderate improvement in the previous findings was detected on concomitant supplementation of vitamin C. Vitamin C supplementation played a protective role on the renal cortex exposed to chronic malathion toxicity at the subcellular level

Histological study of the protective role of curcumin versus ginger on renal corpuscles of carbon tetrachloride-treated mice

Carbon tetrachloride [CCl[4]] has long been known as a model toxicant. Antioxidants are used to antagonize the deleterious action of free radicals. Numerous reports suggest that both curcumin and ginger have antioxidant effects. This work was carried out to compare between the possible protective roles of curcumin and ginger on renal corpuscles of CCl[4]-treated adult male albino mice using light and electron microscopes. A total of 45 adult male albino mice were used for this study and were divided into four groups: group I served as the control group. Group II received 0.2 ml/kg CCl[4] subcutaneously twice a week for 4 weeks. Group III received CCl[4] and curcumin concomitantly at a dose of 80 mg/kg once daily orally for 4 weeks. Group IV received CCl[4] and 1 ml of ginger at a dose of 24 mg/ml once daily orally for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, renal specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic study. Morphometric analysis was also carried out on electromicrographs to evaluate for filtration barrier integrity. Renal corpuscles of CCl[4]-treated mice showed shrunken, lobulated, and hypercellular glomeruli with podocytic affection and mesangial cell proliferation. Morphometric analysis displayed disruption of filtration barrier integrity. Both curcumin and ginger resolved most of these morphological alterations. However, ginger was proven to be more potent than curcumin. Concomitant administration of ginger with CCl[4] has a more protective effect than curcumin on the renal corpuscles of adult male albino mice

Histological and biochemical study on the protective effect of losartan on rat renal cortex in experimentally induced liver failure

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion [I/R] injury is an unavoidable problem during liver surgery that often results in acute liver failure, with its complications. Losartan may be beneficial in such conditions. This study was designed to investigate the histological and biochemical alterations that could occur in the renal cortex in case of liver cell failure and to assess the possible protective role of losartan. Thirty male albino rats were equally divided into three groups: group I [control] was equally subdivided into sham operated-untreated [Ca] and sham-operated, losartan-treated [Cb] subgroups. In group II [operated], rats were subjected to experimentally induced I/R. In group III [losartan treated], rats were subjected to a surgical procedure and treated with losartan [5 mg/kg body weight]. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were obtained for the biochemical assay. The liver was processed for assessment of antioxidant markers and for light microscope examination. Both kidneys were processed for light and electron microscope examinations. The results were morphometrically and statistically analyzed. Light microscope examination of the operated group indicated shrunken glomeruli with wide Bowman's space. Some tubules were distorted with cytoplasmic vacuoles and cellular casts, whereas others were dilated. The interstitium contained an acidophilic material, increased collagen fibers, cellular infiltration, and congested blood vessels. Ultrastructurally, podocytes had small electron-dense nuclei and fused foot processes. Some renal tubules had small heterochromatic nuclei, mitochondria with disrupted cristae, and small electron-dense bodies. The biochemical results of the same group showed the occurrence of oxidative stress and deterioration in liver and kidney functions. The treated group showed preserved structure of the renal corpuscles and tubules. Liver I/R adversely affected the renal cortex histologically and biochemically. Losartan could be promising as an adjuvant therapy before hepatic surgery for rescuing the kidney from hepatic I/R injury

Hazards of nanotechnology: effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the liver and renal cortex of albino rats. An electron microscopic study

Exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles [TiO[2] NPs] results from its wide use in the fields of medicine, industry, engineering, and environmental technology. To investigate the effect of administration of TiO[2] NPs on the ultrastructure of the rat liver and renal cortex. Rats were subdivided into two groups: group A [served as control] and group B [TiO[2] group]. TiO[2] was suspended in PBS and administered by an oral gavage to the rats of group B daily for 90 days at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight. Thereafter, group B was subdivided into group B1 and sacrificed 24 h after the last dose of titanium. Group B2 was left untreated for 12 months and then sacrificed. Specimens from the liver and renal cortex were obtained and processed for examination by transmission electron microscopy. Histopathological changes were detected in the hepatocytes of group B1 in the form of dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, numerous lysosomes, and abnormal mitochondria. Moreover, accumulation of large lipid droplets and wide cytoplasmic vacuoles was observed. The renal cortex was also affected. Numerous lysosomes were observed in the lining cells of the proximal tubules and the glomerulus showed an apparent increase in the number of mesangial cells. The interstitium was the site of excessive collagen bundles. These hepatic and renal cortical changes were partially ameliorated 12 months after the last dose of TiO[2]. Small doses of TiO[2] NPs for a long duration resulted in a variety of degenerative changes in the rat liver and renal cortex. Therefore, further studies are required to investigate the underlying mechanisms of this toxicity and to search for possible protective measures

histological study on the effect of prenatal and postnatal administration of monosodium glutamate on the developing renal cortex of male albino rats

Monosodium glutamate [MSG] is a widely used flavour enhancer. Its use in high concentration could affect vital functions, including those of the kidney. The present study is concerned with evaluation of the effect of prenatal and postnatal MSG administration on the developing male albino rat renal cortex. Twenty pregnant female albino rats were divided into two equal groups: group I [control] and group II [treated]. In group II, MSG was administered orally at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day from the 12th day of gestation until the 21st day postnatally. After delivery, the offspring of both groups were sacrificed at the newborn stage, at 3 weeks and at 3 months. Kidney specimens were processed for examination by light and scanning electron microscopy. Maternal MSG administration affected both the renal glomeruli and tubules of the offspring. In the newborn stage, the glomeruli at the subcapsular zone appeared immature and crowded. The foot processes showed apparent elongation and disruption of their interdigitations. In weaned rats, apparent widening of Bowman's space in some glomeruli, detachment of podocytes and effacement of foot processes were noticed. In adult rats, the glomeruli showed hypercellularity with apparent elongation and fusion of the foot processes. The renal tubules at the different ages studied showed degenerative changes with sloughs inside the lumen of some tubules accompanied by proliferative changes. The proximal tubules showed partial loss of the brush border. MSG causes a delay in the development of glomeruli. Some glomeruli showed hypercellularity with affection of podocytes, which makes the glomeruli liable to glomerulosclerosis

Effect of Nigella sativa oil on paracetamol-induced renal cortical damage in rats: light and electron microscopic study

Paracetamol or acetaminophen [IV-acetyl-p-aminophenol; APAP] is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug. Unfortunately, it is now reported as the most common cause of toxic ingestion in the world. Nigella sativa oil [NSO] is an extract of N. sativa having antioxidant properties. This study aimed to assess the possible role of NSO in ameliorating the toxic effect of APAP overdose on the rat renal cortical structure. Thirty male albino rats were divided into three equal groups. Group I was the control group. Group II comprised rats treated with APAP [750 mg/kg/day] orally for 7 days. Group III received NSO [2 ml/kg/day orally] 30 min before oral administration of APAP at the same dose as that of group II for 7 days. Kidney specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic study of the renal cortex. Plasma renin activity and arterial blood pressure were estimated. APAP-treated rats showed marked structural changes in the proximal convoluted tubules with dense nuclear staining, cytoplasmic vacuolization, increased peroxisomes, and partial loss of apical brush border and basal striations. Renal corpuscles revealed focal fusion of podocyte foot processes and irregular thickening of glomerular basement membranes. Juxtaglomerular cells contained few renin granules, reflecting an increase in renin exocytosis that coincided with increased plasma renin activity and increased arterial blood pressure. Concomitant administration of NSO with APAP revealed a noticeable amelioration of these histological and physiological changes. NSO exerted a protective effect against APAP-induced renal cortical damage

histological study on the possible protective role of garlic in diabetes-induced structural changes in the renal cortex of adult male albino rats

Diabetes is a common serious metabolic disorder, and it may cause nephropathy. Garlic was experimentally documented to have an antidiabetic potential. Investigate the possible protective role of garlic in the structural changes of the renal cortex in diabetic male albino rats. Rats were divided into two main groups; group I included rats that were divided equally into a control group Ia [rats were administered distilled water] and a garlic group Ib [rats were administered 100 mg/kg garlic powder]. Group II [diabetic group] included rats in which diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg body weight streptozotocin; then, the rats were divided into two groups: an untreated diabetic group IIa [rats were administered distilled water] and a garlic-treated diabetic group IIb [rats were administered 100 mg/kg garlic powder]. At the end of the experiment, the rats in the untreated diabetic group showed a nonsignificant change in their body weight and a significant increase in the mean fasting blood glucose by 40.6%. Microscopic examination of the renal cortex showed structural changes in both the proximal convoluted tubules and distal convoluted tubules in the form of a luminal cast, less basal infolding, and fewer basal mitochondria with loss of its cristae. Loss of microvilli of proximal convoluted tubules, extravasation of red blood cells, and a significant increase in the thickness of the glomerular basement membrane were also observed. However, at the end of the experiment, the garlic-treated diabetic group showed a significant increase in body weight by 21.7%, a significant decrease in the mean fasting blood glucose level by 29.6%, and absence of the most of the structural changes of the renal cortex. Garlic could protect against diabetes-induced structural changes in the renal cortex

Ultrastructural changes in the kidney cortex of rats treated with lead acetate / Cambios ultraestructurales en la corteza renal de ratas tratadas con acetato de plomo

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ultrastructural effects of lead on the kidney cortex of rats. Wistar Albino rats (180-200g body weight) were divided into a controlled and lead acetate-exposed group. Rats received lead acetate at 500 ppm in their drinking water for 60 days. Both groups were fed with the same standard food, but lead acetate was added to the drinking water. During the experimental period, blood samples were taken from the abdominal aorta of the anesthetised animals. At the end of exposure, body weight and blood lead levels were measured. The kidney tissue samples were prepared and analyzed by light and transmission electron microscopy. Cortical renal tubules show various degenerative changes with focal tubular necrosis invaded by inflammatory cells. The ultrastructural alterations found in lead acetate-treated rats were a diminution in the amount of filtration slits, increased fusion of foot processes in epithelial cells of the glomeruli, increase of lysosomal structures and pinocytic vesicles as well as large mitochondria in proximal tubule cells.

El propósito de este estudio fue investigar los efectos ultraestructurales del plomo en la corteza renal. Ratas Wistar albinas (180-200g de peso corporal) fueron divididas en grupo control y grupo experimental. Las ratas recibieron 500 ppm de acetato de plomo en el agua potable durante 60 días. Ambos grupos fueron alimentados con el mismo alimento estándar, pero acetato de plomo se le añadió al agua potable al grupo experimental. Durante el período experimental, se tomaron bajo anestesia muestras sanguíneas desde la parte abdominal de la aorta. Al final de la exposición, fueron medidos el peso corporal y los niveles de plomo en la sangre. Fueron preparadas las muestras de tejido renal y se analizaron mediante microscopía de luz y electrónica de transmisión. Los túbulos renales corticales mostraron varios cambios degenerativos con necrosis tubular focal invadida por células inflamatorias. Las alteraciones ultraestructurales encontradas en las ratas tratadas con acetato de plomo correspondieron a una disminución en la cantidad de ranuras de filtración, aumento de la fusión de los procesos podales en las células epiteliales de los glomérulos, aumento de la estructura lisosomal y las vesículas pinocíticas, así como grandes mitocondrias en las células del túbulo proximal.

Postnatal development of the albino rat renal cortex [histological study]

Renal development involves 2 basic processes: morphologic formation and acquisition of function. The aim of the present study was to obtain histological information about the postnatal development of the filtration barrier and to throw more light upon the concomitant developmental changes of the convoluted tubules in albino rat's renal cortex. Ten pregnant female rats were utilized. Fifteen of their off springs were taken and divided into 3 groups: Group A: studied at the 2[nd] day postnatal. Group B: studied at the 10[th] day postnatal. Group C: studied at the 21[st] day postnatal. Kidneys were removed then 5 micro m thick paraffin sections were obtained and stained with haematoxylin and eosin stain for light microscope study. Renal cortex was cut into minute pieces and prepared for electron microscope study. Light microscope examination of 2 days renal cortex exhibited two cortical zones. The subcapsular zone contained immature forms of the renal developmental stages; the juxtamedullary zone contained mature renal corpuscles. While, electron microscope examination showed podocytes with flat cytoplasmic sheets and foot processes. Endothelial cells had few fenestrations. The filtration barriers revealed double basement membrane. The lining cells of proximal tubules had few short apical microvilli, mitochondria randomly oriented and few basal infoldings. Also, those of distal convoluted tubules appeared with randomly oriented mitochondria and some basal infoldings. The light microscope examination of 10 days renal cortex showed disappearance of all immature forms and maturing glomeruli were observed. Electron microscope examination showed podocytes with its primary processes and foot processes. The endothelial cells showed numerous fenestrations. The filtration barriers revealed fused basement membranes with presence of outpockets. The lining cells of proximal tubules had numerous tall tightly packed apical microvilli. Mitochondria appeared lodged in the basal infoldings in both proximal and distal tubules. The light microscope examination of 21 days renal cortex revealed mature renal corpuscles with lobulated glomeruli. Electron microscope examination demonstrated mature glomeruli showing podocytes with numerous foot processes. The filtration barrier showed regular basement membrane with no outpockets. The endothelial cells appeared attenuated with numerous fenestrations. Proximal and distal tubules showed mature picture. It has been proposed that adult renal diseases may be determined by events that occurred during fetal development. Therefore, results of studies on renal development in experimental models need to be interpreted and correlated carefully with the concomitant functional changes

Influence of Gibberellic Acid [GA3] on Renal Cortex of Adult Male albino Rats [Histological, Immunohistochemical and Biochemical Study]

Plant growth regulators [PGRs] especially gibberellic acids [GA3] are widely used in Egypt to increase plant size, production and to increase plant availability all the year. Little is known about the biochemical or physiological effects of GA3 in mammalian tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical changes in the rat renal cortex with subacute and subchronic exposure to GA3 and to detect the possible mechanism of such toxicities. Fifty adult male albino rats were classified into control group [I], experimental group [IIa and IIb] received GA3 in a dose of 75ppm [part per million]. Seventy five parts per million of GA3 as drinking water for 2weeks in subgroup IIa [subacute exposure] and for 8 weeks in subgroup IIb [subchronic exposure]. Group III [recovery group]: Rats received GA3 for 8weeks and stopped for other 6weeks. Renal cortex was stained with H and E, Masson's trichrome, immunohistochemically for Bcl-2 protein and electron microscopic examination. Oxidative biomarker [MDA] was detected in kidney tissue and antioxidant enzymes were detected in erythrocyte pellets prepared from blood sample. GA3 administration in group [II], led to degeneration, necrosis, apoptosis of the epithelial cells lining some of the tubules of the renal cortex with subacute toxicity and in most of the tubules with subchronic toxicity, fibrosis is significantly apparent in the subchronic subgroup. Interstitial cellular infiltration and hemorhage were seen. Hyaline casts in the lumen of renal tubules were apparent in the subchronic subgroup. Area percentage of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 immunoreactivity was decreased in the subchronic subgroup. Picture of cystic glomerular atrophy, acute tubular necrosis, degenerated podocytes and thickened blood renal barrier became prominent in the subchronic subgroup. The histological changes were associated with biochemical markers of oxidative stress. These changes were reduced in the recovery group but not retained to normal and the picture of oxidative stress was still present. The findings implied that gibberellic acid [GA3] induced nephrotoxic effect associated with oxidative stress with some sort of self recovery after stoppage of exposure. So, gibberellic acid should be used cautionary. Also, producers and consumers should be in conscious on the probable toxic effects of these chemicals

Histological study on the effect of furosemide on renal cortex of mice with hepatic fibrosis Secondary to schistosoma mansoni infection

Schistosoma mansoni is a documented factor for the acquisition of hepatic fibrosis, with further edema and ascites. Recent researches suggested that diuretic treatment in patients with hepatic fibrosis could result in renal impairment. To evaluate the changes in renal cortex after injection of furosemide in mice with hepatic fibrosis secondary to Schistosoma mansoni infection. Sixteen adult male mice were divided into 2 groups. Non-infected mice [group I], were further subdivided into two subgroups [a and b]. Subgroup [Ia] mice were untreated and subjected as negative controls while subgroup [II] mice were injected daily with furosemide for 14 successive days. The other 8 mice [group II], were infected with Schistosoma mansoni and left for 8 weeks for induction of hepatic fibrosis. Then, group II mice were subdivided into two subgroups [a and b]. Subgroup [IIa] mice were untreated and served as positive controls for liver fibrosis. Mice of subgroup [IIb] were injected with the same dose of furosemide for successive 14 days. All animals were sacrificed and samples from livers and kidneys were collected, stained and examined. Mice of subgroup [IIa] showed focal glomerular changes in the form of either proliferation or atrophy. Fusion of foot processes of podocytes with deposition of dense bodies appeared with electron microscopic study. Mice of subgroup [IIb] showed massive glomerular and tubular damage. Glomerular capillary obliteration, subendothelial humps, destructed foot processes and cellular vacuolations were manifested. Renal tubules showed destructed microvilli and cellular damage. Interstitial lymphocytic infiltration and interstitial renal fibrosis were also demonstrated. Furosemide possessed renal cortical damaging effect when administered in mice with hepatic fibrosis

effects of amphotericin B and amphotericin B-liposome on rat renal cortex: a comparative histological and immunohistochemical study

The polyene macrolide amphotericin B has remained the drug of choice in fighting systemic fungal infections for more than 30 years. However its toxic effects, particularly nephrotoxicity, remain serious side effects. The aim of this work was to compare between the nephrotoxicity of amphotericin B [fungizon] and amphotericin B liposome [ambisome] using different histological and immunohistochemical methods. Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into control group and experimental group The control group was divided into two subgroups [5 rats each] one of them received no treatment and the other received intra-peritoneal injection of saline once daily. The experimental group was divided into two subgroups I and II. The subgroup I received intra-peritoneal injection of fungizon in a dose 10 mg/kg once daily. The subgroup II received intra-peritoneal injection of amBisome in a dose 10 mg/kg once daily. All rats received the injections for one month. The specimens were processed for histological and immunohistochemical examination. Light and electron microscopic examinations of subgroup I revealed severe pathological changes in both distal and proximal convoluted tubules and glomeruli. But these changes were very mild in subgroup II. These changes were represented by mononuclear cellular infiltration, irregular thickening of glomerular basement membrane and distortion of foot processes of podocytes of the affected glomeruli. The cells of pCT and dCT showed cytoplasmic vacuolations, destruction of microvilli with changes in mitochondria. Immunohistochemical examination using caspase 3 method revealed more apoptotic changes in subgroup I than in subgroup II. It was concluded that AmBisome is more safe than fungizon on the kidney and this is very important for nephrologists and intensive care specialists

Histological study on the effect of cadmium on the kidney of adult male albino rat

Twelve adult male albino rats weighing 150-250 gm were used in this study to investigate the histological changes of the kidney of rats on exposure to cadmium and clarify the effect of recovery on renal architecture. The animals were divided into three groups [4 animals each]. The rats of the first group were used as a control group and given saline intraperitoneally, while that of the second group were injected intraperitoneally with cadmium chloride [CdCI[2]] at a dose of 3 mg/kg body wt daily for 14 days and served as treated group. The last 4 animals were left for 3 months after the last injection and those were served as a recovery group. At the time of sacrifice, all the animals were anaesthetized with ether inhalation and their kidneys were carefully dissected and processed for light and electron microscope examination. In cadmium treated animals, light microscope examination of renal cortex revealed that the gomeruli of renal corpuscles were shrunk with widening of their Bowman's spaces. Distortion of the proximal and distal convoluted tubules with vacuolation of their lining epithelium was observed. Loss of brush border of some proximal convoluted tubules and cellular infiltration were seen between some of them. Moreover, many collagen fibers were observed in the interstitium of renal cortex. Ultrastructurally, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and distortion of feet processes of podocytes. Proximal convoluted tubules had globular mitochondria which lost their basal configuration, some damaged mitochondria and many lysosomes. Also, their nuclei were small with dark heterochromatin. Distal convoluted tubules also had small nuclei with irregular envelop and marginated dense chromatin. Its cytoplasm contained some globular mitochondria. In recovery group, light microscope examination revealed renal corpuscles which formed of tuft of capillaries surrounded by Bowman's capsule. Some cells lining the proximal convoluted tubules have brush border on their apical free surfaces and moderate collagen fibers were noticed in the interstitium. By electron microscope examination, the thickness of the glomerular basement membrane was decreased. Some proximal convoluted tubules had central rounded euchromatic nuclei and its mitochondria took its basal arrangements. Some microvilli were predominant at its luminal border. Also, some distal convoluted tubules showed rounded nuclei with dispersed chromatin and mitochondria were elongated with basal configuration. Cadmium is an important industrial and environmental pollutant that posses a significant health risk to humans and animals. The results of the present work suggested that nephrotoxicity is a major adverse effect of cadmium exposure for long time. So, strict precautions must be taken to prevent cadmium pollution of food and water

Effects of sodium nitrate contaminated water on renal cortical tissue in adult male albino rats histological, histochemical and electron microscopy study

The wide use of nitrates and nitrites as preservatives in food technology and its presence in drinking water elevates the importance of studying their effects on mammals. The present study aimed to evaluate the histological and histochemical effect of these substances on the renal cortical tissue. Twenty adult male albino rats were used being divided equally into four groups, the first group served as a control and second, third and fourth groups were provided with sodium nitrate contaminated water at the concentration of 50, 100 and 300 mg/L respectively for 45 days. The study showed many histopathological alterations, the renal tubules were degenerated, the glomeruli were atrophied and marked increase in cellular infiltration were also noticed. As regard histochemical changes, the treated groups showed decreased polysaccharide, total protein, DNA, RNA and alkaline phosphatase enzyme while the acid phosphatase activity increased. Immunohistochemical staining showed negative Kappa light chain immunoglobulin and positive lambda light chain immunoglobulin in third and fourth groups. The chemical has induced certain destructive alterations in the fine structure of the renal cortex, the glomerular capillaries were dilated and their lumina were filled with flocculent materials and red blood cells beside fusion of the feet processes of podocytes and thickening of blood-renal barrier. The lining cells of the kidney tubules have also undergone prominent destruction with loss of a considerable number of their microvilli, the mitochondria have designated membrane damage, demolished ridges with tiny flocculent material in their interium Lysosomes were also increased in number. These destructive effects increased with increasing the concentration of the sodium nitrate in drinking water. It is concluded that, sodium nitrates had toxic effects on renal cortical tissue, so these substances must be forebidden as food preservatives and its concentration in drinking water must be at the least level to avoid these adverse effects

Early effects of ethylene glycol on the ultrastructure of the kidney cortex in rats

A sublethal dose of ethylene glycol was administered orally to three groups of rats; rats of a control group were given distilled water instead. Renal cortical samples were obtained from rats of experimental and control groups at various time [18 hours, 24 hours and 4 days] after treatment, and examined using light and transmission electron microscopy. In rats of the experimental groups, light microscopic lesion first appeared at 18 hours, and were similar to those reported in the literature. Ultrastructural lesions similar to the light microscopic lesions, were most common in the proximal convoluted tubules [PCT], distal convoluted tubules [DCT] and collecting tubules [CT]. At 18 hours, initial cellular changes included vacuolation of cells and affected by mild to moderate degenerative lesions were scattered through the cortex, with loss of cellular detail and hydropic degeneration. Crystal [calcium oxalates] were observed within tubular lumina. cellular lesions see in later hours samples [24 hours and 4 days] included formation of apical huds and cellular rupture, in distal convoluted tubules and collecting tubules. The range of structural change in DCT and CT cells were more restricted than, in PCT cells. Daring later hours, a few cells with types of changes first observed in early hours continued to he observed, implying ongoing response of cells to the toxin