抄録
1. In order to induce experimental naphthalene cataract, 30% olive oil suspension of naphthalene was administered per os in a daily dose of 1 g/kg into the normal rabbits fed on vitamin C deficient diet. They were then divided into two groups of the received the naphthalene suspension only and the other the same in combination with 50 mg vitamin C. Clinical observation as well as pathohistological examinations of the kidney were made on those rabbits.
2. Findings of clinical observation were mostly the same as those hitherto described in the literature. Edema of the conjunctiva was recognized on the rabbits in Group I. There was, however, no major difference in clinical pictures between the two.
3. As for the histological findings of the kidney, in the kidney, in the rabbits of Group I, glomeruli were found to have swollen, fused and hyperemic. Nuclear increase, degeneration and destruction of endotherial cells, desquamation of the epithelium of Bowman's capsule were also seen. In addition, increase of the mesenchymal elements within the loop and swelling of Bowman's capsule were also recognized.
4. While the changes observed in the rabbits of Group II were only mild degenerative changes accompanying circulatory disturbance.
5. In view of the findings of the kidney of Group I, the disorders caused by naphthalene in rabbits are considered to be in the category of acute glomerular nephritis.
6. Difference in the intensity and the time of appearance of lesions between the eye ball and the kidney is considered to be due to the organic factors including the difference in vascular distribution.
Accordingly, the toxic reactions elicited by naphthalene are considered to be partly inflammatory reactions and partly the changes due to the hypoxia of epithelial cells caused by the jntoxication of tissues involved.
