Ioxaglate-induced light and electron microscopic alterations in the renal proximal tubular epithelium of rats.

Vacuolization of the proximal tubular epithelial cells was produced in rats by the intravenous administration of the radiographic contrast medium ioxaglate at high multiples of the human diagnostic dose. Samples of the renal cortex and outer zone of the medulla were examined by light and electron microscopy. We observed enlargement, confluence, and migration of vacuoles containing pleomorphic dense material and distinct inclusion bodies. With time, vacuolization disappeared, though single vacuoles partly engaged in extruding their contents into the tubular lumen were still visible. We concluded that radiographic contrast medium at high dose levels can produce a reversible disturbance in the transport vesicular system of the proximal tubular epithelial cells without affecting the specific cell organelles.