3,5-Dichloroaniline-induced nephrotoxicity in the Sprague-Dawley rat

The nephrotoxic potential of 3,5-dichloroaniline (DCA) was examined in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were administered DCA (0.4, 0.8 or 1.0 mmol/kg, i.p.), or 0.9% saline (1.0 ml/kg, i.p.), and renal function was monitored at 24 and 48 h. DCA (0.4 mmol/kg) administration did not produce evidence of nephrotoxicity. However, DCA (0.8 mmol/kg) administration decreased urine volume and osmolality, increased proteinuria, elevated the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration and decreased basal and lactate-stimulated p-aminohippurate (PAH) accumulation. Three of 4 rats receiving DCA (1.0 mmol/kg) died prior to 48 h postinjection. Incubation of renal cortical slices with DCA resulted in decreased PAH and tetraethylammonium (TEA) uptake when DCA concentrations of 10(-6) M or greater were used. These results indicate that DCA is nephrotoxic to Sprague-Dawley rats when administered in a dose of 0.8 mmol/kg or higher and is capable of altering organic ion transport in vitro.