Effects of BSO, GSH, Vit-C and DMPS on the nephrotoxicity of mercury

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of BSO, GSH, Vit-C and DMPS on the nephrotoxicity of mercury. METHODS: The rats in groups 1, 2 and 3 were sc injected with 0.75, 1.5 and 2.5 mg/kg HgCl2, respectively. Fourth group rats were ip injected with 0.5 mmol/kg BSO and 4h later sc administrated with 0.75 mg/kg HgCl2. The rats in groups 5, 6 and 7 were ip injected with 3 mmol/kg GSH, 4 mmol/kg Vit-C, 200 micromol/kg DMPS, respectively, and 2 h later sc administrated with 2.5 mg/kg HgCl2. Eighth group rats were sc injected with saline as a control. Mercury concentrations in the liver, renal cortex and urine, urinary NAG, ALP, LDH activities, protein and BUN contents were determined. RESULTS: Urinary NAG, ALP activities, protein and BUN contents in the rats of BSO pretreatment group were significantly higher than that of 0.75 mg/kg HgCl2 alone group and control group. As compared with 2.5 mg/kg HgCl2 alone group, urinary NAG, ALP, LDH activities, urinary protein and BUN contents decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: BSO pretreatment could enhance the renal toxicity of mercury and GSH, Vit-C and DMPS pretreatment had antagonistic effects on nephrotoxicity of mercury.