The effect of mercuric chloride intoxication on urinary psi-glutamyl transpeptidase excretion in the sheep.

The activity of the enzyme psi-glutamyl transpeptidase (psi-GT) was measured in the urine of sheep. In clinically normal animals the mean value was 6-3+/-0-6 mU/ml. In sheep with kidney damage induced by the administration of mercuric chloride there were marked increases in urinary concentrations of psi-GT, in some cases values in excess of 1000 mU/ml were recorded. This enzyme may be of value in the diagnosis of certain forms of renal disease.