Renal Lesions Induced by α‐Methyltyrosine Methylester and α‐Methyltyrosine

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Abstract
The toxicity of α‐methyltyrosine methylester (H 44/68) and α‐methyltyrosine (H 9/88) in the rat was investigated in a four week subacute study. Both compounds induced renal lesions with formation of calculi in the urinary tract. The renal lesions were manifested by deposition of tubular crystals associated with regressive and inflammatory changes. The main sites of crystal deposition were the collecting tubules and the papillary ducts. The calculi consisted of α‐methyltyrosine. The investigation indicates that α‐methyltyrosine methylester is metabolized in the body to the less soluble α‐methyltyrosine and that α‐methyltyrosine is excreted through the kidneys. Crystals of α‐methyltyrosine are formed in the renal tubules and urinary tract probably due to a supersaturation of the urine.