A metabonomic investigation of the biochemical effects of mercuric chloride in the rat using H-1 NMR and HPLC-TOF/MS: time dependant changes in the urinary profile of endogenous metabolites as a result of nephrotoxicity

The effects of the administration of a single dose of the model nephrotoxin mercuric chloride (2.0 mg kg(-1), subcutaneous) to male Wistar-derived rats on the urinary metabolite profiles of a range of endogenous metabolites has been investigated using H-1 NMR and HPLC- MS. Urine samples were collected daily for 9 days from both dosed and control animals. Analysis of these samples revealed marked changes in the pattern of endogenous metabolites as a result of HgCl2 toxicity. Peak disturbances in the urinary metabolite profiles were observed ( using both NMR and HPLC- MS) at 3 days post dose. Thereafter the urinary metabolite profile gradually returned to a more normal composition. Markers of toxicity identified by H-1 NMR spectroscopy were raised concentrations of lactate, alanine, acetate, succinate, trimethylamine (TMA), and glucose. Reductions in the urinary excretion of citrate and alpha-ketoglutarate were also seen. Markers identified by HPLC- MS, in positive ion mode, were kynurenic acid, xanthurenic acid, pantothenic acid and 7-methylguanine which decreased after dosing. In addition an ion at m/z 188, probably 3-amino-2-naphthoic acid, was observed to increase after dosing. As well as these identified compounds other ions at m/z 297 and 267 decreased after dosing. In negative ion mode a range of sulfated compounds were observed, including phenol sulfate and benzene diol sulfate, which decreased after dosing. As well as the sulfated components an unidentified glucuronide at m/z 326 was also observed to decrease after dosing. The results of this study demonstrate the complementary nature of the NMR and MS-based techniques for metabonomic analysis.