Nephrotoxicity of gasoline fumes in male albino rat: a mechanism-based approach study

Nephrotoxicity of gasoline fumes has been documented, but the mechanisms underlying the toxicity remain vague. This study determined the residue of gasoline components in the kidney of 72 male albino rats with a view to providing the basis for a detailed understanding of the nephrotoxicity of gasoline fumes. The rats were randomized into 6 groups and daily exposed to distilled water (control) or gasoline fumes for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 h for 10 weeks. Some standard clinical blood biochemistry, activities of some kidney antioxidant and membrane-bound ATPase enzymes and kidney histological changes were examined. Gasoline hydrocarbons were extracted, identified and quantified in the kidney of rats with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Significant (p < 0.05) changes were observed in the biochemical parameters examined in the blood and kidney of the exposed rats compared to the control. Residues of some gasoline metabolites including 2,3-diphenylcyclopropyl) methyl phenyl sulfoxide; Cyclotrisiloxane and 2.2-Paracyclophane were identified in the kidney of rats exposed to gasoline fumes. The kidney of the exposed rats also displayed mild histological changes. Retention of some hydrocarbons in the kidney of rats exposed to gasoline fumes could potentially result in oxidative stress capable of inducing renal dysfunction.