In vitro uptake of organic ions by renal cortical tissue of rats treated acutely with 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid.

The effect of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) on renal cortical function has been studied in male adult rats. Significant decreases in organic acid and organic base transport were measured when rats were pretreated with 2,4,5-T 24 hr before in vitro analysis of renal function. Experiments in which injections of p-aminohippurate were given showed no effect on organic acid or organic base transport by renal cortical slices. The data are interpreted to mean that pretreatment with 2,4,5-T has a depressive influence on the transport of some organic ions. Adult animals which were treated daily with 2,4,5-T accumulated a large body store of this herbicide during the first 6 days of administration. However, by 9 days the animals excreted essentially the dose of 2,4,5-T administered, and by 16 days the herbicide accumulated during the first 6 days had been almost totally eliminated. This chronic excretion pattern may explain why only moderate toxicity has been reported for this herbicide.