Uranyl nitrate induced acute nephrotoxicity in mice

The study was conducted to evaluate progressive kidney damage induced by single dose of uranyl nitrate in mice at 5 and 10 mg/kg dose levels by subcutaneous route. Sequential changes in body weight, clinical signs, organ weight, biochemical parameters, gross and histopathological lesions were evaluated up to 6^th day post dosing. Three animals from high dose treatment group have died on day 6 post dosing. Body weight was significantly and constantly reduced in both, high and low dose groups from day 1 onwards. BUN and creatinine values were significantly increased in time and dose dependant manner and BUN was identified as more sensitive and early indicator of kidney damage. Pale kidneys were noticed upon gross necropsy examination in both dose levels from day 4 to 6. Although liver function tests showed some significant alterations in both dose levels, these could not be correlated with histopathological findings. Histopathologically, there were no significant lesions in brain, liver, spleen, heart and lung. Degeneration, necrosis and regeneration of tubules were observed in both dose levels but with difference in onset, severity, intensity and spontaneous regenerative ability at defined time points.