Influence of dl-Methionine and Other Substances on the Nephrotoxic Action of dl-Serine

dl -SERINE introduced either by stomach tube or by intraperitoneal injection causes severe kidney damage in young rats 1,2 . In view of the probable interaction of serine and methionine in the rat 3,4 , the influence of methionine on the serine effect was studied. Male rats weighing approximately 100 gm. were given 100 mgm. dl -serine by stomach tube and killed 24 hours later. Litter mates received the same amount of serine, and in addition dl -methionine in amounts varying from 100 to 600 mgm. subcutaneously in several injections preceding and following the administration of serine. 24 rats given serine alone showed extensive renal necrosis localized in the region of the corticomedullary junction (see Fig. 1). Of 39 animals given methionine in addition, 30 showed no lesions or only minute lesions (see Fig. 2). Only in two rats was no protective effect seen.