Ethyl α-D-Glucoside Increases Urine Volume and Causes Renal Morphologic Changes in Rats

Ethyl α-D-glucoside (α-EG) is a peculiar component in sake, a traditional Japa-nese alcoholic beverage. In this study, morphological changes in kidney and effects on urine excretion by α-EG ingestion were investigated. After the rats were fed with pellet diets con-taining 10% or 20% α-EG dietary level, α-EG was detected in urine and urine volume showed significant increase (p<0.05). Kidney weights were increased (p<0.05) and renal tubules were dilated in the rats by α-EG ingestion, whereas there was no detectable histo-pathological damage to renal cells. Plasma uric acid and urea levels were not affected. In conclusion, ingested α-EG was excreted in urine, increasing urine volume. Increase in kid-ney weight related to renal tubule dilation was observed with α-EG ingestion without dete-riorate changes in the renal cells or functions.