Chromium concentration by proximal renal tubule cells: an ultrastructural, microanalytical and cytochemical study

After treating rats with potassium bichromate, x-ray microanalysis of the proximal renal tubule cells demonstrated the presence of chromium in intracellular vacuoles. The lysosomal nature of these vacuoles is shown by the visualization of acid phosphatase activity. Chromium is concentrated both in the autolytic vacuoles and in their residual forms. The metal is eliminated quite late, concomitant with cellular necrosis.