beta2 microglobulinuria in a patient with nephrotoxicity secondary to mercuric chloride ingestion.

A case of mercuric chloride intoxication is reported in which protein excretion was measured. Urinary albumin and low molecular weight proteins, including beta2 microglobulin, were greatly elevated following ingestion, reaching maximal values on the second day. The increased excretion of both albumin and beta2 microglobulin indicated the presence of both tubular and glomerular lesions. Data obtained on this patient suggest that the determination of beta2 microglobulin may be useful guide for the evaluation of renal tubular function.