Influence of L-thyroxine upon enzymatic activity in the renal tubular epithelium of the rat under normal conditions and in mercury-induced lesions. I. Histochemical studies of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, adenosine- tri-phosphatase and leucine-aminopeptidase.

HgC12-induced renal tubular lesions in the rat present histochemically with a transitory decrease of alkaline phosphatase, adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase), and leucine-aminopeptidase activity. The toxic alterations of enzyme activity were more pronounced in the pars recta of the proximal tubule and in the loop of Henle, as compared with the tubulus contortus I. L-thyroxine treatment leads to an accelerated reversal of that enzymatic defect, followinga characteristic pattern, and to a differentiating increase of acid phosphatase and ATPase activity in certain parts of the normal renal tubule. The observations are discussed with reference to the specific mode of action of sublimate and l-thyroxine upon the tubular enzymes and to the well-known metabolic and functional influences of thyroid hormone on the kidney.