Reversibility of renal cortical lesions induced in rats by high doses of nitrilotriacetate in chronic feeding studies

Abstract

The effects in the renal cortex of the male rat of continuous administration of a high dose of nitrilotriacetate (NTA) for 24 months were compared with those of the administration of a similar dose for 18 months followed by a 6-month recovery period on the control diet. The results suggest that discontinuation of treatment interrupts the sequence of events leading to tumour formation. This study indicates that all stages in the proposed pathogenesis of renal tubular tumour formation by NTA, up to the occurrence of adenomatous hyperplasia and neoplasia, are reversible. Apparently, tumour development is dependent on the continuous administration of high doses of NTA in the presence of toxic injury to the majority of nephrons.