Changes in human epithelial kidney cells induced by nordihydroguaiaretic acid in vitro.

Some chemical agents induce kidney cystic changes in vivo comparable to human multicystic kidney disease. The biochemical aspects of human tubular cells were analysed by in vitro culture in the presence of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). The uptake of 3H-thymidine in cultured cells in the presence of NDGA was comparable with control cultures, while 3H-hydroxyproline incorporation produced elevated values. The results suggest that NDGA in vitro induces modifications which may be related only to the synthesis of basement membrane components.