Abstract
Summary
1) A method for measuring mercurial diuresis in the rat is described. The effect of varying intravenous doses of mersalyl on hydrated rats has been studied. Maximum diuresis is obtained with a dose of 4 mg Hg/kg: and the height of diuresis is reached in 2 to 3 hours. The extent of tubular damage is proportional to the dose of the mercurial. No rats survived a dose of 12 mg Hg/kg and only 50% survived a dose of 8 mg. In the animals that survived, complete tubular regeneration took place within two weeks. 2) The results reported in this paper do not support the view that mersalyl, in therapeutic doses, has any effect on the oxidative enzymes of the Krebs cycle. Mercurial diuresis may be due to interaction of mercury with —SH groups or -SH enzymes in the kidneys. It is felt, however, that such -SH groups be sought elsewhere than among the Krebs cycle enzymes and coenzymes.
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