Studies of renal function in animals chronically treated with apomorphine.

Based on the observation that orally administered apomorphine may induce nephrotoxicity, we studied the renal effects of a two-week subcutaneous infusion of apomorphine in rats. Drug-treated rats did not exhibit any change in renal cortical uptake of an organic cation (tetraethyl ammonium), organic anion (para-hippuric acid), creatinine clearance, or fractional excretion of sodium and potassium. Renal histology showed no change specific to drug. A small increase in urinary N-acetylglucosaminidase, a tubular enzyme, was measured but a second tubular enzyme showed no change. We conclude that parenterally administered apomorphine is not associated with renal toxicity.