Effects of Ammonium Chloride in the Ethylene Glycol Experimental Nephrolithiasis Model in Rats

Various animal models, including mice, rabbits, rats and pigs, have been developed to study the formation mechanism of kidney stones in vivo. This study aimed to assess the effect of ammonium chloride in a nephrolithiasis model induced by ethylene glycol (EG) (1%) combined with ammonium chloride (AC) at different doses (0.5%, 1%, and 2%) over various durations (7 and 14 days). The study consisted of nine groups, each consisting of seven male Wistar Albino rats. Histopathological analysis was performed using Hematoxylin-Eosin and Pizzolato’s special staining. It was observed that most rats in the group receiving 2% AC in drinking water alongside 1% EG died, indicating that 2% AC is unsuitable for such studies. The results showed that administering 1% EG alone for 7 or 14 days, or giving AC at doses of 0.5%, 1%, and 2% for 7 days, did not produce statistically significant differences compared to the control group regarding crystal deposition and histopathological changes (p < .002). Significant changes, such as crystal accumulation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and hydropic degeneration of tubular epithelium, were observed only when 0.5% or 1% AC was added to drinking water with 1% EG for 14 days (p < .002).