[Evaluation of kidney function in Male New zealand white rabbits, subsequent to a 90 days exposure to uranyl nitrate in the drinking water]

ABSTRACT

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 the drinking water. Animals were exposed for 90 days to uranyl nitrate in their drinking water [24 or 500mg/l] The control group were given municipal tap water. The biomarkers of kidney function measured in this study included beta-2 micro globulin [marker of tubular], micro albumin [marker of glomerular] and the marker for cell toxicity was catalase. Excretion of beta-2 micro globulin was to be significantly different and was correlated with uranium intake for rabbits in early weeks. Microalbuminuria was found to be significantly different but this different was within normal range. Catalasuria was not significantly different in this study. These results suggest that chronic ingestion of uranium in the drinking water affects kidney function and is related to the proximal tubule, rather than glomerul