ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF CEPHALORIDINE (CER)-INDUCED RENAL LESIONS IN RABBITS

Abstract

Serial ultrasonographic examinations of cephaloridine (CER)-induced renal lesions were performed in rabbits. The nephrosonograms in CER-injected rabbits showed enlarged renal echoic area, increased cortical echogenicity, increased medullary hypoechoic area, and enhanced corticomedullary demarcation. The kidneys in CER-injected rabbits showed macroscopically renal enlargement, cortical discoloration, and medullary enlargement and congestion, and showed histopathologically cortical tubular necrosis, urinary casts in the distal nephrons, and congestion in the outer medulla. These results suggest that drug-induced tubular necrosis is indicated by increased renal cortical echogenicity and that ultrasonographic examination is useful for evaluation of drug-induced nephrotoxicity.