Introduction: Urografin (UG) is one of several types of contrast media used through the extensive use of investigations as imaging and interventional procedures. Multiple complications were encountered from its usage especially kidney affection, in a condition described as Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) which may be prevented with the antioxidant N-Acetylcysteine (NAC).  Aim of the work: To study the effect of Urografin on the renal tubules of albino rats and evaluate the role of N-Acetylcysteine administration on the injured tubules.  Materials and Methods: Twenty four adult albino rats were used regardless sex and were divided into 4 groups; a control group, NAC group by its administration in a dose equivalent to the human dose twice daily, Urografin group; where rats received a high dose of Urografin76% solution through rat tail vein infusion and UG + NAC group; where rats received the same dose of Urografin 76% and NAC. The obtained specimens were examined by both light and electron microscopy. Results: NAC group showed the same normal histological picture of renal tubules as the control group I. Renal sections of UG group revealed tubular dilatation with the presence of cellular debris in their lumens. Some tubules showed destruction and displayed highly vacuolated cytoplasm and dark pyknotic nuclei. Ultrastructurally, damaged apical membrane with partial loss of microvilli and rarefaction of the cytoplasm were noticed. UG + NAC group showed evidence of improvement as compared to UG group. Most of the tubules showed a nearly normal histological picture except for a few dilated ones with cellular debris.
Conclusion: N-Acetylcysteine exerts a protective effect against renal tubular damage of the kidney that has been induced by Urografin injection. So, it may be a useful protective agent before and during imaging procedures.