Proteinuria in Guinea Pigs Exposed to 0.5 ppm Nitrogen Dioxide

Abstract

Urinary proteins were quantitated by disc-gel electrophoresis, chemical tests, and specific gravity determinations. In the first of two experiments, the seven animals exposed to continuous 0.5 ppm NO₂, three for seven days and four for 14 days, had consistently higher levels of urinary protein than control animals (P <.01). The increase involved all three of the major protein groups demonstrated by the discgel procedure, putatively albumins, combined α-and β-globulins, and γ-globulins. A second experiment involving 12 pairs of guinea pigs gave similar results for two of three animal groups (P < .05) despite a decrease in exposure to only four hours a day. Routine histological studies of the kidneys showed negative results.