Clearance and micropuncture study of renal function in mercuric chloride treated rats.

Abstract

Inulin clearance, sodium excretion, and water excretion were examined in anesthctized adult rats at 30 minute intervals for 2 hours before and up to 5 hours a.fter the intramuscular injection of 15 mg. per kilogram uf mercuric chloride. Similar studies were performed on control animals to evaluate the effect of anesthesia and intravenous Ringer’s infusion on renal function. Single nephron in&n clearance was determined for up to 3 hours follorving tho administration of mercuric chloride by micropuncture techniques. Comparison of each clearance period after mercury administration with the mean of the clearance periods before injection revealed a prompt and significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate. Prompt and significant increases in the fractional excretion of both sodium and water were also found. Tirine flow rises significantly 240 minutes followinff mercur>administration. TJrine sodium concentration and urine soilinm excretion increase steadily but not significantly following mercury injection. Ringer’s infusion anll anesthesia have little effect on the renal function of control animals not g-ivon mercury. Single nephron filtration rate decreases promptly and abruptlg following mercuric chloride administration. There is no f:orrrlation between single nephron filtration rate and the site of micropuncture. These data tlemonstrate an immediate effect of mercuric chloride on glomertr!ar and tubular function. ‘I’hr~ro is no tubular leak of inulin seen in this study.