Metabolism and nephrotoxicity of tetralin in male Fischer 344 rats

Tetralin, a component of fuels, solvents, and varnishes, is metabolized in male Fischer 344 rats to 1-tetralol, 2-tetralol, 2-hydroxyl-1-tetralone, 4-hydroxyl-1-tetralone, 1,2-tetralindiol, and 1,4-tetralindiol. Rats treated with tetralin demonstrated the classic lesions of hydrocarbon-induced nephropathy.     

Metabolism and nephrotoxicity of indan in male Fischer 344 rats

Indan, a component of fuels, solvents, and varnishes, is metabolized in male Fischer 344 rats to 1-indanol, 2-indanol, 5-indanol, 1-indanone, 2-indanone, 2-hydroxy-1-indanone, cis-1,2-indandiol, and trans-1,2-indandiol. The metabolites were identified using the techniques of gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The rats treated with indan demonstrated the classic lesions of hydrocarbon-induced nephropathy. The kidney damage produced was less than that found for tetralin and other branched-chain acyclic hydrocarbons.     

Phenacetin and chlorzoxazone biotransformation in aging male Fischer 344 rats

We evaluated the role of specific isoforms in the biotransformation of phenacetin and chlorzoxazone and examined the effect of age on these reactions using liver microsomes from Fischer 344 rats between 3 and 26 months of age. Using rat cDNA-expressed cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, we found that phenacetin biotransformation was primarily mediated by CYP2C6 and CYP1A isoforms, while chlorzoxazone biotransformation was largely mediated by CYP2E1 and CYP1A1. Incubations with liver microsomes prepared from rats of varying ages demonstrated that both phenacetin and chlorzoxazone biotransformation declined with age. Metabolite formation rates in the old rats (25-26 months) were reduced by approximately 60-70% for these reactions. This study suggests that the activity of CYP2E and CYP1A enzymes decline with age in the rat liver. Also, the relative specificity of the index substrates phenacetin (for CYP1A2) and chlorzoxazone (for CYP2E1) in man appears not to be applicable in rats.     

In vivo kinetics of trichloroacetate in male Fischer 344 rats.

Trichloroacetate (TCA) is a toxicologically important metabolite of the industrial solvents trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, and a by-product of the chlorination of drinking water. Tissue disposition and elimination of 14C-TCA were investigated in male Fischer 344 rats injected iv with 6.1, 61, or 306 micromol TCA/kg body weight. Blood and tissues were collected at various time points up to 24 h. No metabolites were observed in plasma, urine, or tissue extracts. Overall TCA kinetics in tissues were similar at all doses. Based on similar terminal elimination rate constants, tissues could be divided into three classes: plasma, RBC, muscle, and fat; kidney and skin; and liver, small intestine, and large intestine. Nonextractable radiolabel, assumed to be biologically incorporated metabolites in both liver and plasma, increased with time, peaking at 6-9 h postinjection. The fraction of the initial dose excreted in the urine at 24 h increased from 67% to 84% as the dose increased, whereas fecal excretion decreased from 7% to 4%. The cumulative elimination of TCA as CO2 at 24 h decreased from 12% to 8% of the total dose. Two important kinetic processes were identified: a) hepatic intracellular concentrations of TCA were significantly greater than free plasma concentrations, indicating concentrative transport at the hepatic sinusoidal plasma membrane, and b) TCA appears to be reabsorbed from urine postfiltration at the glomerulus, either in the renal tubules or in the bladder. These processes have an impact on the effective tissue dosimetry in liver and kidney and may play an important role in TCA toxicity.     

Metabolism and disposition of ethylene carbonate in male Fischer 344 rats

Ethylene carbonate (EC) has a toxicity profile which resembles that of ethylene glycol (EG). To determine whether the toxicity of EC could be explained on the basis of its metabolism to EG, male Fischer 344 rats were given 200 mg/kg of uniformly labeled [14C]EC in water by gavage and the disposition of the radiolabel was then followed for 72 hr. EC was rapidly metabolized, with approximately 57 and 27% of the administered dose eliminated in the expired air as 14CO2 and in the urine, respectively; the remainder was found in the carcass. Separation of the urinary metabolites using liquid chromatography revealed a single radioactive peak. This metabolite was unequivocally identified as ethylene glycol via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with the aid of 13C enrichment of the EC dose. Measurement of whole blood levels of EC and EG in rats given 200 mg/kg of EC by gavage revealed blood levels of EG approximately 100-fold higher than the levels of EC in these same animals, with a half-life of EG in blood of 2 hr, indicating rapid conversion of EC to EG. In a separate group of animals administered an equimolar dose of [14C]EG (141 mg/kg), approximately 37% of the dose was expired as 14CO2 and 42% was excreted in the urine as parent compound. When expressed on the basis of the ethanediol moiety, the disposition of EC was identical to that of EG. In view of the rapid and extensive biotransformation of EC to EG and the similarity of the existing (though limited) toxicity data base of EC compared to EG, utilization of the extensive EG systemic toxicity data base for assessing the safety of EC appears justified.     

3,4-Dichlorophenylhydroxylamine cytotoxicity in renal cortical slices from Fischer 344 rats

3,4-Dichlorophenylhydroxylamine (3,4-CPHA) is the N-hydroxyl metabolite of 3,4-dichloroaniline. 3,4-Dichloroaniline is a breakdown product of the herbicide Propanil. Previous work has shown that 3,4-dichloroaniline is acutely toxic to the kidney and bladder. The purpose of this study was to examine the in vitro toxicity of 3,4-dichlorophenylhydroxylamine. Renal cortical slices were prepared from male Fischer 344 rats (190-250 g) and were incubated with 0-0.5 mM 3,4-CPHA for 30-120 min under oxygen and constant shaking. 3,4-CPHA produced a concentration and time dependent alteration in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, organic ion accumulation and pyruvate stimulated gluconeogenesis. Glutathione levels were diminished within 60 min below control values by 0.1 and 0.5 mM 3,4-CPHA. A 30 min pretreatment with 0.1 mM deferoxamine did not alter 3,4-CPHA toxicity. Alterations in pyruvate stimulated gluconeogenesis and LDH leakage were comparable between vehicle and deferoxamine pretreated tissues. Other studies examined the effect of (1 mM) glutathione, 2 mM ascorbic acid and 1 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) on toxicity. Pretreatment for 30 min with vehicle or 1 mM DTT induced comparable changes in LDH leakage and pyruvate stimulated gluconeogenesis. Pretreatment for 30 min with 1 mM glutathione or 2 mM ascorbic acid reduced 3,4-CPHA toxicity. LDH leakage was not elevated as markedly in renal slices pretreated with glutathione relative to slices pretreated with vehicle. These results indicate that 3,4-CPHA toxicity is through an iron independent mechanism. 3,4-CPHA cytotoxicity was reduced by pretreatment with glutathione or ascorbic acid suggesting formation of a reactive intermediate.     

Characterization of myoglobin toxicity in renal cortical slices from Fischer 344 rats

Rhabdomyolysis is associated with acute renal failure. The following study first characterized myoglobin in vitro toxicity using renal cortical slices isolated from male Fischer 344 rats. This model provided interaction between various cells within the nephron and provides myoglobin access predominantly through the basolateral membrane. Second, this study examined the effect of deferoxamine (DFX) and glutathione on myoglobin toxicity to determine the role of radicals and iron. Renal cortical slices were incubated for 30-120 min with 0, 4, 10 or 12 mg/ml myoglobin. Myoglobin was pretreated with 4 mM ascorbic acid prior to addition to the slices to ensure that myoglobin was in its reduced state. In other experiments tissues were pretreated for 15 min with 0.1 mM of the iron chelator DFX or 30 min with 1 mM glutathione prior to co-incubation with myoglobin. Finally, slices were pretreated with 1 mM glutathione for 30 min, rinsed and incubated only with myoglobin. Early event changes occurred within a 60 min exposure and included a decline in pyruvate-stimulated gluconeogenesis, increased lipid peroxidation levels and decreased glutathione levels. Loss of ATP levels and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release required a 120 min exposure to myoglobin. DFX reduced myoglobin induced effects on LDH leakage but had no effect on gluconeogenesis suggesting that myoglobin toxicity had an iron dependent (LDH) and independent (gluconeogenesis) pathway. Pretreatment with glutathione provided complete protection and was mediated by intracellular events.     

In vitro nephrotoxicity induced by chloronitrobenzenes in renal cortical slices from Fischer 344 rats

Chloronitrobenzenes are important chemical intermediates in the manufacture of industrial, agricultural and pharmaceutical agents. Toxicity induced by the various chloronitrobenzene isomers in vivo includes hematotoxicity, immunotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The purpose of the study was to determine the direct nephrotoxic effects of nitrobenzene and ten chlorinated nitrobenzene derivatives using renal cortical slices as the in vitro model. Renal cortical slices were prepared from kidneys of untreated, male Fischer 344 rats and incubated with nitrobenzene (1.0-5.0 mM), a chloronitrobenzene (0.5-5.0 mM) or vehicle for 2 h. At the end of the 2 h incubation, tissue gluconeogenesis capacity (pyruvate-stimulated gluconeogenesis) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were determined as measures of cellular function and cytotoxicity. Based on decreased pyruvate-stimulated gluconeogenesis and increased LDH release, the order of decreasing nephrotoxic potential was trichloronitrobenzenes>dichloronitrobenzenes>monochloronitrobenzenes>nitrobenzene. Among the mono- and dichloronitrobenzenes, 1-chloro-3-nitrobenzene and 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene were the most potent nephrotoxicants, while the two trichloronitrobenzenes tested exhibited similar nephrotoxic potentials. These results demonstrate that chloronitrobenzenes are directly nephrotoxic in vitro and that increasing the number of chloro groups increases the nephrotoxic potential of the resulting chloronitrobenzene derivative.     

The development of acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity in male Fischer 344 rats of different ages

Male Fischer 344 rats classified as young (2–4 months), middle-aged (12–15 months) and aged (22–25 months) were administered 600 mg/kg acetaminophen (APAP) IP. Rats were killed 6 and 12 h after dosing, and renal damage evaluated by blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels and histopathology. In addition, plasma levels of APAP and its sulfate and glucuronide conjugates were determined after 6 h. There was no evidence of renal damage in any age group 6 h after APAP. While no nephrotoxicity was present in young animals after 12 h, BUN was elevated 94% and 214% in middle-aged and aged rats, respectively, compared to young animals. At 12 h, APAP-induced renal lesions were more severe in aged rats compared to middle-aged animals. APAP-induced renal damage, as judged by BUN and histopathology, was not altered in young or middle-aged rats following unilateral nephrectomy.Six hours after APAP, both the middle-aged and aged animals had significantly higher plasma levels of APAP and APAP glucuronide compared to young rats. There were similar amounts of the sulfate conjugate in the plasma of each age group. This suggests pharmacokinetic differences could contribute to the age-related increased susceptibility of male Fischer 344 rats to APAP-induced nephrotoxicity.     

Characterization of myoglobin toxicity in renal cortical slices from Fischer 344 rats

Rhabdomyolysis is associated with acute renal failure. The following study first characterized myoglobin in vitro toxicity using renal cortical slices isolated from male Fischer 344 rats. This model provided interaction between various cells within the nephron and provides myoglobin access predominantly through the basolateral membrane. Second, this study examined the effect of deferoxamine (DFX) and glutathione on myoglobin toxicity to determine the role of radicals and iron. Renal cortical slices were incubated for 30-120 min with 0, 4, 10 or 12 mg/ml myoglobin. Myoglobin was pretreated with 4 mM ascorbic acid prior to addition to the slices to ensure that myoglobin was in its reduced state. In other experiments tissues were pretreated for 15 min with 0.1 mM of the iron chelator DFX or 30 min with 1 mM glutathione prior to co-incubation with myoglobin. Finally, slices were pretreated with 1 mM glutathione for 30 min, rinsed and incubated only with myoglobin. Early event changes occurred within a 60 min exposure and included a decline in pyruvate-stimulated gluconeogenesis, increased lipid peroxidation levels and decreased glutathione levels. Loss of ATP levels and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release required a 120 min exposure to myoglobin. DFX reduced myoglobin induced effects on LDH leakage but had no effect on gluconeogenesis suggesting that myoglobin toxicity had an iron dependent (LDH) and independent (gluconeogenesis) pathway. Pretreatment with glutathione provided complete protection and was mediated by intracellular events.     

Primary brain tumours in Fischer 344 rats chronically exposed to acrylonitrile in their drinking-water

Acrylonitrile (ACN) has been tested for carcinogenicity by various routes in a number of rat strains. At relatively high levels of administration (e.g. 500 ppm in the drinking-water) there were statistically significant increases in microscopically detectable primary brain tumours, which were difficult to classify. In a further study of ACN-induced brain tumours, ACN was administered to groups of 50 male and 50 female F-344 rats from 6 wk of age at levels of 0, 100 and 500 ppm in the drinking-water. A fourth group of 300 rats (147 males, 153 females), was also given 500 ppm ACN. Neurological signs were observed in 0, 4, 16 and 29, respectively, of the rats in these four groups within 12-18 months. Among the treated animals, females died slightly earlier than males. Few controls of either sex had died by month 18, but, apart from those killed for tumour donation, a high proportion of the rats in the 500-ppm groups had died by that time. Of the 49 brain tumours found in rats exposed to 500 ppm ACN, 11 were only detectable microscopically, 28 were 1-5 mm in diameter and 10 were greater than 5 mm. Despite this variation in size, all the tumours were similar in cellular and architectural features. They were densely cellular, with occasional areas of focal necrosis, and were infiltrative at the margins. They were negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Ultrastructurally, the tumour cells showed intermingling cytoplasmic processes but no glial filaments and no neurosecretory granules or specialized cell contacts. Samples of tumour tissue were successfully grown in culture, but transplantation of samples from these cultures (observed for up to 12 wk) was unsuccessful. However, a direct intracerebral transplantation from a large tumour was successful.     

Pharmacokinetics of o-nitroanisole in Fischer 344 rats

The pharmacokinetics and metabolism of o-nitroanisole (ONA) were studied in male Fischer 344 rats. Three dose levels of [14C]ONA (5.0, 50, or 500 mg/kg) were administered orally to rats and daily excreta were analyzed for 14C. Since the highest dose altered the urinary excretion rate of ONA, a dose of 25 mg/kg was used for subsequent pharmacokinetic studies. Following a single 25 mg/kg iv dose of [14C]ONA, blood, tissues, and excreta were collected at times ranging from 15 min to 7 days. Urinary excretion accounted for 82% of the dose by 24 hr and 86% by 7 days. Fecal excretion was 7.5% in 24 hr and 9.0% by 7 days. Fifteen min after ONA administration, most of the 14C content was found in muscle (20%), skin (10%), adipose tissue (6.8%), and blood (6.5%). All other tissues contained less than 5% of the dose. Within 8 hr, less than 1% of the dose was present in any tissue. The initial elimination t1/2 for 14C in all tissues was 1-2 hr and the terminal t1/2 was approximately 4 days. The elimination of parent ONA from blood followed first order biphasic elimination kinetics (initial t1/2 = 30 min; terminal t1/2 = 2.2 hr). Parent ONA was rapidly eliminated from all other tissues in a monophasic manner (t1/2 = 15 min to 2 hr). Skin and fat demonstrated an uptake phase prior to the elimination of parent. Only 0.5% of the dose was excreted as ONA in the urine. Urinary metabolites of ONA were predominantly conjugated compounds (63% as sulfates; 11% as glucuronides).     

Anxiety-like behaviors produced by acute fluoxetine administration in male Fischer 344 rats are prevented by prior exercise

RATIONALE: Although selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can reduce anxiety after chronic treatment, acute SSRI administration is associated with an increase in anxiety consistent with an acute increase in 5-HT neurotransmission. Exercise is anxiolytic in humans, and wheel running prevents anxiety-like behavioral consequences of uncontrollable stress in rats, but the effects of exercise on acute fluoxetine-induced anxiety-like behaviors are unknown. OBJECTIVES: The current studies tested the hypothesis that acute administration of the SSRI fluoxetine would produce behaviors in rats resembling those produced by uncontrollable stress and that these behaviors would be blocked by prior wheel running. RESULTS: Adult, male Fisher 344 rats administered moderate (10 mg/kg) or high (20 mg/kg) doses of fluoxetine demonstrated exaggerated shock-elicited freezing and an interference with shuttle box escape compared to rats given either saline or low-dose fluoxetine (2.5 mg/kg). Fluoxetine-induced behaviors were similar to, but smaller in magnitude than, those produced by uncontrollable stress and were blocked by pretreatment with the 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonist SB 242084 (1 mg/kg). Rats allowed access to running wheels for 6 weeks were protected against the anxiety-like behaviors produced by a single injection of fluoxetine (10 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral effects of acute fluoxetine administration resemble those produced by uncontrollable stress. Results are consistent with the idea that exercise can produce resistance against the anxiogenic effects of acute increases in 5-HT and suggest that acute behavioral effects of antidepressants can depend on history of physical activity.     

Acute renal and hepatic toxicity of 2-haloanilines in Fischer 344 rats.

Aniline and its halogenated derivatives are widely used as chemical intermediates. The purpose of this study was to determine the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic potential of the 2-haloanilines. Male Fischer 344 rats (n > or = 4) were injected (i.p.) with 1.0 or 1.25 mmol/kg of: aniline (A), 2-fluoroaniline (2-FA), 2-chloroaniline (2-ClA), 2-bromoaniline (2-BrA), 2-iodoaniline (2-IA) or vehicle (0.9% saline, 2.5 ml/kg). All compounds were injected as hydrochloride salts. Renal and hepatic function was monitored 24 h after treatment. All of the 2-haloanilines induced oliguria, diminished kidney weight, tubular casts and decreased renal cortical slice accumulation of organic anions. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were increased (P < 0.05) by treatment with 1.0 or 1.25 mmol/kg of 2-FA, 2-ClA or 2-BrA. Hepatic alterations were also observed and characterized by elevated plasma ALT/GPT activity and altered morphology in the centrilobular region. The nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic potentials were similar among the 2-haloanilines but aniline was less toxic than its 2-halo derivatives. These results demonstrated that halogen substitution at the 2-position of aniline increased hepatic and renal toxicity. However, the severity of toxicity was not influenced by the nature of the halogen substituent.     

Subchronic toxicity of trinitrotoluene in Fischer 344 rats rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity of trinitrotoluene (TNT) in Fischer 344 rats when administered in the diet for 13 weeks. Groups of 10 rats per sex received TNT at doses of 1, 5, 25, 125 or 300 mg/kg/day. Thirty rats per sex served as untreated controls. Toxicologic endpoints included clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, hematology, clinical biochemistry, organ weights and gross/histopathology. Toxic effects following 125 mg/kg/day or greater included decreased food intake and body weight gain, elevated serum cholesterol levels, and anemia (reduced hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC counts). Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly/hepatocytomegaly and testicular atrophy with degeneration of the seminiferous tubular epithelium were also seen at 125 and 300 mg/kg/day. Hemosiderin-laden macrophages, congestion of the splenic red pulp, methemoglobin production indicative of the oxidizing activity of TNT and/or its metabolites, and the lack of bone marrow toxicity suggested hemolysis as the mechanism of anemia.     

Acute nephrotoxicity induced by isomeric dichloroanilines in Fischer 344 rats

Chlorinated anilines are widely used as chemical intermediates in the manufacture of numerous dyes, pesticides, drugs and industrial compounds. The purpose of this study was to examine the nephrotoxic potential of the six dichloroaniline (DCA) isomers in vivo and in vitro. In the in vivo studies, male Fischer 344 rats (4-8 rats/group) were administered a single, intraperitoneal injection of a DCA isomer (0.4, 0.8 or 1.0 mmol/kg) as the hydrochloride salt or given vehicle (0.9% saline, 2.5 ml/kg), and renal function monitored at 24 and 48 h. Renal effects induced by DCA were characterized by decreased urine volume, increased proteinuria, hematuria, modest elevations in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations, decreased accumulation of p-aminohippurate (PAH) by renal cortical slices, and no change or a slight decrease in kidney weight. Renal morphological changes were observed as proximal tubular necrosis with lesser effects on distal tubular cells and collecting ducts. Based on the overall effects on renal function and morphology, the decreasing order of nephrotoxic potential was found to be 3,5-DCA greater than 2,5-DCA greater than 2,4-, 2,6- and 3,4-DCA greater than 2,3-DCA. The ability for the DCA to induce nephrotoxicity correlated well with the lipophilic properties of the DCA isomers and Hammett constants (sigma) for the various chloro substitutions. In the in vitro studies, renal cortical slices from naive male Fischer 344 rats were co-incubated with a DCA isomer (0-10(-3) M) and PAH or tetraethylammonium (TEA). All DCA isomers decreased PAH and TEA accumulation at 10(-3) M DCA concentration in the media with 3,5-DCA inducing the largest decrease at this concentration. These results indicate that DCA are capable of altering renal function in vivo and in vitro and that 3,5-DCA possesses the greatest nephrotoxic potential in vivo and in vitro.     

1,2-Dichlorobenzene-induced lipid peroxidation in male Fischer 344 rats is Kupffer cell dependent.

1,2-Dichlorobenzene (1,2-DCB) is a potent hepatotoxicant in male Fischer 344 (F344) rats and previous studies have suggested that reactive oxygen species may play a role in the development of hepatotoxicity. Since reactive oxygen species can damage lipid membranes, this study was conducted to determine the extent of lipid peroxidation after administration of 1,2-DCB by immuno-histochemical analysis of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) protein adduct formation in liver and conjugated diene formation in liver and serum. The contribution of Kupffer cells to the lipid peroxidation was also investigated. Male F344 rats were administered 1,2-DCB (3.6 mmol/kg i.p. in corn oil) and killed at selected times between 3 and 48 h. Time course studies revealed the greatest abundance of 4-HNE protein adducts in the centrilobular regions of the liver 24 h after 1,2-DCB administration, with much lower levels at 16 h. Adducts were present in necrotic and vacuolized centrilobular hepatocytes of 1,2-DCB treated rats but not in livers of controls. Further, conjugated dienes were significantly increased in liver and serum 16 and 24 h after 1,2-DCB administration, peaking at 24 h. These data correlated with hepatocellular injury, determined by serum alanine aminotransferase activity and histopathological evaluation, which was markedly elevated within 16 h and peaked at 24 h. When rats were pretreated with gadolinium chloride (GdCl3; 10 mg/kg i.v. 24 h prior to 1,2-DCB), an inhibitor of Kupffer cells, hepatotoxicity was decreased by 89 and 86%, at 16 and 24 h, respectively. Conjugated diene concentrations were decreased to control values at these times after 1,2-DCB administration. Moreover, no 4-HNE protein adducts were detected in livers of 1,2-DCB-treated rats pretreated with GdCl3. Finally, Kupffer cells isolated from 1,2-DCB-treated rats produced significantly more superoxide anion than Kupffer cells isolated from vehicle controls. These data, along with previous findings, suggest that lipid peroxidation associated with 1,2-DCB is mediated in part by Kupffer cell-derived reactive oxygen species.