Thioacetamide induced changes in trace elements and kidney damage

Toxic effects of thioacetamide on the rat kidney were investigated by conducting trace element analysis as well as histological and histochemical assessments, at 0, 3, 6, and 12 weeks posttreatment durations. A decrease in serum as well as tissue copper was noted at 3, 6, and 12 weeks, whereas the decrease in kidney zinc was a delayed event occurring only at 12 weeks. Copper/zinc ratio was also decreased in serum as well as kidney. Serum selenium was higher, whereas kidney selenium was decreased. Manganese was the only element that showed increase in serum as well as kidneys in response to this acetamide treatment. First structural injury in the kidneys became apparent at 6 weeks, and it was represented by congestion of the glomeruli and focal mesengial cell proliferation. Structure of proximal and distal convoluted tubules was unchanged up to this point. At 12 weeks, there was an increased deposition of the collagen in the renal medulla and fibrin in the cortex. PAS positive material increased in the glomeruli and basement membrane of the tubules. Study shows that changes in trace elements precede structural damage in the kidney. Further studies are needed to establish the cause and effect relationship between these two pathologies in the kidney. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 12:1–14, 1999.