Toxicology of the kidney

Abstract

The kidneys are pair of organs located toward the lower back with each kidney on each side of the spine. Kidney filters blood and excretes various toxicants from our body through urine where most toxicants are excreted. The kidney is the second major target for drug-induced target organ toxicity. Kidneys receive nearly 25% of cardiac output resulting in high volume of blood flow, and concentrated toxicants which are transported across tubular cells, where they are bioactivated or detoxified depending on the toxicants. Kidneys are one of the major organs of excretion, and thus exposed to a greater proportion of circulating drugs and chemicals. It is therefore a major target organ for adverse effects. To facilitate discussions on these effects, the renal structure and functions are briefly reviewed. Nephrotoxicity is one of the most common kidney problems and occurs when our body is exposed to a drug or toxin that produces damage to this tissue. When kidney damage occurs, it is not possible to remove excess urine, and wastes. Blood electrolytes (such as potassium and magnesium) become consequently elevated.