Harmful Effects Of Sea Water Administration On Kidney Structure And Function

Abstract

Ratlus rattus received oral int'usiuii „; 3 ml of sea water for 5 consecutive days. Certain blood parameters and kidney structure and function were studied 24 hours and one week later. Hematocrit. plasma osmolality, sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine increased 24 hours and one week following the final infusion of sea water respectively. On the other hand, plasma calcium and magnesium decreased. Urine volume and osmolality and urea, potassium and creatinine excretion decreased. In contrast, urine sodium, calcium and magnesium excretion increased 24 hours and one week following sea water administration. Renal angiotensin-1-converting enzyme significantly decreased 24 hours following the administration but increased significantly one week later comparing to control. Renal tissue of these animals showed marked evidence of extensive cell destruction of the renal tubules.