Effect of 2,3,4-Trimethylpentane on the Ultrastructure of Kidneys from Normal versus Castrated Male Rats

摘要

Studies in this laboratory have shown that exposure to vapors of hydrocarbon fuels such as JP-5, JP-4 and diesel fuel-marine produce kidney lesions, including protein deposition, proximal tubular cell degeneration and intratubular casts in male rats, but not in female rats. 2,2,4 trimethylpentane (TMP) is a principal component of gasoline. Both 2,2,4 TMP and its more potent isomer, 2,3,4 TMP, in gavage studies produced kidney lesions identical to those seen in acute fuel inhalation exposures. Only male rats produce a testosterone dependent alpha 2u globulin, a low molecular weight plasma protein. Since this protein appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of the kidney lesion, castrated rats were also exposed to 2,3,4 TMP and examined by transmission electron microscopy. The purpose of this study was to examine the early pathogenesis of the kidney lesion in both normal and castrated rats following exposure to 2,3,4 TMP. Reprints.