Reduction of renal uranium uptake by acetazolamide: the importance of urinary elimination of bicarbonate
Destombes, C.; Laroche, P.; Cazoulat, A.; Gérasimo, P.
Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises 57(5): 397-400
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-4509 PMID: 10520511 Document Number: 502683
Acetazolamide was compared with bicarbonate for the treatment of contamination with uranium. Uranium was injected peritoneally in rats, and its distribution was investigated. Acetazolamide was three times more efficient than bicarbonate in reducing the renal content of uranium. On the other hand, it had no effect on hepatic or skeletal content. In this study, renal physiology provides the basis for understanding the mode of action of acetazolamide and bicarbonate. In this context, it is of interest to determine the alkalinity of the urine, with the aim of knowing whether bicarbonate is present to mobilize uranium.