OBJECTIVETo study the effects of Zhuhong ointment on accumulation in the body of mercury and the pathological morphology changes of kidney, via the measurement of related indicators of the skin-impaired model rat.

METHODEighty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into the impairment control group, and high-, middle-, low-dose Zhuhong ointment groups. Each group was treated by corresponding methods for 4 weeks, and recovering for 4 weeks. Urinary potein (PRO), pH, Beta N-acetyl aminoglycosidase enzymes (NAG) and beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG) contents in urine were taken as monitoring indexes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) in blood and the levels of mercury in urine, blood and kidney were tested, and the pathological morphology changes of kidney were observed.

RESULTAfter treatment for 4 weeks, compared with impairment control group, the levels of mercury in urine, blood and kidney in every dose group increased significantly (P < 0.01). And the relation exists between toxicity and dose on Zhuhong ointment. After recovery for 4 weeks, the levels of mercury in urine and blood in every dose group restore normal, while the level of mercury in kidney in high- dose group still increased (P < 0.01). The level of NAG increased only in high-dose group. There was no significant difference in NAG contents between Zhuhong ointment groups and the impairment control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONExcess using Zhuhong ointment repeatedly may lead to accumulation of mercury and pathological morphology changes of kidney. So the levels of mercury in the body and related indicators of renal functions should be tested in clinical when long-term using Zhuhong ointment.