Effects of ochratoxin a in the partially nephrectomized rat

The effects of ochratoxin A (OA), a nephrotoxic mycotoxin, were investigated in partially nephrectomized (PN) rats (approximately 70% reduction in renal mass) following compensatory hypertrophy of the renal remnant. Renal function stabilized 27 d after surgery. PN rats compensated for the initial loss of renal function except for glomerular filtration rate (GFR, inulin clearance); this remained significantly impaired. Sham‐operated (SO) rats cleared inulin and p‐aminohippurate (PAH) at rates of 3.84 and 7.49 ml/min, respectively, while compensated PN rats cleared inulin at 2.51 and PAH at 8.84 ml/min. Daily administration of low levels of OA produced decreased urine osmolality and body weight with a modest increase in urinary protein of PN versus SO rats. OA‐treated rats cleared inulin, creatinine, and PAH at rates significantly lower than nontreated controls: 0.89 and 1.96 ml/min for inulin, 0.35 and 0.56 ml/min for creatinine, and 2.29 and 6.23 ml/min for PAH. Histopathological findings indicated a cons...