Hursh et al. Urinary levels of uranium and protein were determined. Urinary protein was not elevated in any of the patients. Renal function tests were performed including urinary catalase, protein, nitrogen, glomerular filtration rate, maximum tubular excretory capacity and urea clearance. No differences were noted compared with controls with respect to serum urea, creatinine or chlorides.
Limited data are available on the reproductive toxicity of uranium.
Decreases in the number of litters born, litter size, were consistent with the decline in nutritional status of the animals. Males and females were then paired, over a period of 7 months. Although parameters for absorption, distribution, and accumulation in the kidney are uncertain, reasonable risks can be estimated for these parameters. However, data are inadequate for determining a threshold for uranium levels in the kidney which cause nephrotoxicity and it is questionable whether total uranium levels in the kidney are a good measure of the potential for toxicity. The data base is given a medium level of confidence since there are adequate studies on the effects of U in various species.