Paracetamol and the isolated perfused kidney: Metabolism and functional effects

Abstract

1. Renal metabolism of paracetamol has been studied in the isolated perfused rat kidney.

2. The major metabolites of paracetamol normally observedin vivowere present in low concentrations in the urine of the isolated perfused rat kidney.

3. Paracetamol was bound covalently to kidney protein in a linear relationship to dose up to 31.9mM paracetamol in the perfusate.

4. Using Michaelis-Menten kinetics, the apparent K_m of 5.5mM and V_max of 139 nmol/h/g wet wt. for renal paracetamol oxidation were observed.

5. Concn. of paracetamol >14.2mM induced immediate diuresis and diminished sodium reabsorption. Lower concn. were without effect on function.