The excretory system of young chickens experiencing mercury toxicity--effects on kidney development, morphology, and function.

Four trials were conducted to determine if toxic levels of mercury affect kidney development, morphology, and renal function. Mercury, administered via the drinking water as mercuric chloride caused a reduction in gross kidney weight, an increase in relative kidney weight and a slight but significant increase in the percentage water retained by left kidney of 6-week-old cockerels. Mercury had no effect on renal function of 6-week-old birds as indicated by the clearance of phenol red from circulation. Histological discontinuity of the kidney was extensive and evidenced by foamy cell degeneration and nuclear pyknosis. Although mercury caused gross alterations in the morphology of the kidney, normal excretory function was maintained.