Effects of thiabendazole on the kidneys of ICR mice.

The effects of thiabendazole (TBZ) on the kidneys of male and female Crj:CD-1 (ICR) mice were investigated. The mice were given 0, 250 or 500 mg TBZ/kg body weight/day by gavage (using olive oil as a vehicle) for 1, 3, 5 or 7 days. The 24-hr urine volumes of treated mice were increased, significantly so in male mice given the high dose of TBZ. Protein was present in the urine of both control and treated mice throughout the experiment but electrophoresis of the protein showed the presence of a relatively high-molecular-weight protein in the urine of the treated mice. Levels of serum urea nitrogen were decreased in treated mice, but serum creatinine levels did not differ from those of controls. Relative kidney weights tended to be dose-dependently increased in comparison with the controls. Pathological examination showed that after one dose (at either level) the kidneys of males and females were swollen and white maculae were present. Microscopic examination revealed dilation of the proximal, distal and collecting tubules with flattening and degeneration of the tubular epithelium. Tubular dilation was severe in high-dose male mice. These histological changes paralleled the alterations in the 24-hr urine volume. These data suggested that the increased urine volume may be caused primarily by the prevention of reabsorption of water in the distal and collecting tubules. Electron microscopy revealed the flattening of foot processes of podocytes and oedematous changes in the mesangium of glomeruli in TBZ-treated mice. We conclude that TBZ given by gavage in olive oil affects the kidneys of ICR mice.