Membranous glomerulonephropathy and nephrotic syndrome associated with iatrogenic metallic mercury poisoning in a cat

The nephrotic syndrome, characterized by nonselective proteinuria, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and ascites, was observed in a 10-month-old male cat. Profound glomerular changes and renal tubular changes appear to have been induced by iatrogenic chronic exposure to metallic mercury originally contained in a rectal thermometer. Large concentrations of mercury were present in the kidneys, liver, spleen, and urine. Evaluation of glomeruli by immunofluorescent microscopy revealed interrupted granular deposition of immuno-globulin G and the third component of complement in glomerular capillary walls and the mesangium. Electron microscopic evaluation of glomeruli revealed diffuse alterations in glomerular basement membranes and visceral epithelial cells. Small electron dense deposits were observed in capillary walls, but they were not characteristic of immune complexes. The mechanism(s) responsible for the mercury induced glomerulonephropathy in this patient could not be determined on the basis of available data.