Experimental argyria: a model for basement membrane studies

Abstract

Silver permanently labels many basement membranes in vivo and is readily detectable both by light and electron microscopy. Investigations aimed at defining this situation, with a view to developing a standard experimental model, are described. The results indicate that a suitable and convenient animal for basement membrane studies is a male Sprague-Dawley rat which has ingested 12mM-AgNO₃ drinking fluid for 10 weeks and is then given ordinary drinking water for a further 4 weeks. After this time no more silver is deposited and the distribution and density of the silver, with certain noted exceptions, conform to a standard pattern.