Enzyme histochemistry of rat folic acid nephropathy

One hour after a single i.v. dose of 250 mg/kg folic acid, the straight portion of distal tubules in the outer medulla of rat kidneys showed a distinct reduction in succinate dehydrogenase, NADH2-diaphorase, glutamate dehydrogenase, cytochrome oxydase, Na+/K+-ATPase, and acid phosphatase activity. In contrast, the proximal tubules exhibited only a reduction in glutamate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activity. At this time the straight portion of the distal tubules, whose enzyme activity had changed, showed partly regressive epithelial changes. 24 hours after folic acid administration an even greater reduction in enzyme activity had occurred in the straight portion of distal tubules; these structures also became dilated. The adjacent collecting tubules and the corresponding proximal tubules were also severely dilated, the proximal tubules showing a loss in enzyme acitivities similar to those observed in the distal tubules. 48 hours after folic acid administration the changes largely resembled those observed after 24 hours, but were more pronounced. At this time a tubular regeneration was observed. 72 hours after folic administration extensive normalization of the histological and histochemical changes had occured. It is postulated that a disturbance of the hairpin counter-current mechanism occurs as a result of a direct, concentration-dependent effect of folic acid on the enzymes of the energy supplying metabolism. A dilation in the region of the loop of Henle and the collecting tubules occurs subsequently.