[Effect of Ethrel on the ultrastructure of some internal organs in rats. II. Kidneys]

The ultrastructure of the epithelial cells of the proximal tubules of the kidneys was analyzed. Rats were treated with water solutions of Ethrel (AmChem 68-240) at 10, 100 and 200 mg per kg of body weight for seven days. An increase of thickness of the basic epithelial membranes and smoothing of the folds of the capsule at its base were observed in this study, as well as an increase of the number of the apical vesicles, lisosomes and microbodies. Lipid droplets appeared in the cytoplasm of the cells. These data proved the occurrence of some disturbances in the action of the cells studied. This was supported by the changes observed in the urine of the experimental animals. There were no toxic injuries to the epithelial cells of the proximal tubules of the kidneys which might be caused by Ethrel.