Introduction: The Kidney is highly specialized and sensitive organ to oxidative stress. Fipronil as an insecticide has a toxic effect on different organs. Gallic acid is one of the most abundant phenolic acids in the plant kingdom. It is a colorless or slightly yellow crystalline compound, with extensive application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Aim of the Work: To detect the effect of fipronil on the structure of adult albino rat renal cortex and also, to identify the role of gallic acid as an ameliorative substance.
Materials and Methods: A total number of 40 adult albino rats weighting (200-250) gm were used. They divided into 4 groups: control group, fipronil received group, fipronil and gallic acid received group and gallic acid received group. The rats received treatment (fipronil at a dose 10 mg/kg body weight orally and gallic acid at a dose 10 mg/kg dissolved in saline orally by an intragastric tube daily) for 28 days. Then, they were scarified and their kidneys were manipulated for light and electron microscopy histological examination and Immunohistochemistry study. Morphometric and statistical studies were also performed.
Results: The present study showed that fipronil causes destruction in the cells if renal cortex at the glomeruli, proximal and distal convoluted tubules. Morphometric results revealed statistically significant decrease in the mean number of epithelial cells in proximal convoluted tubules in fipronil received group as compared with control group. Most of destructive changes are improved by gallic acid.
Conclusion: Concomitant administration of gallic acid could reduce the side effects caused by fipronil on rat kidney.