Cisplatin and carboplatin induced changes in the neurohypophysis and parathyroid, and their role in nephrotoxicity.

Cytochemical and ultrastructural studies in Wistar rats [Crl: (WI)BR] show that cisplatin treatment (5-9 mg/kg) induces a release of neurosecretory granules from the neurohypophysis with a corresponding decrease in the urine output in a time and dose dependent fashion. Cisplatin induces low blood calcium and phosphate levels with a corresponding increase in the dark cells of the parathyroid gland. Injections of calcium before and during the treatment of cisplatin are effective in combating hypocalcemia, nephrotoxicity and gastrointestinal toxicity due to cisplatin. Carboplatin, a less nephrotoxic agent, does not demonstrate any of these changes.