The renal excretory mechanisms and the role of organic cations in modulating the renal handling of paraquat

Paraquat (PQ), a cationic herbicide, is predominantly excreted by the kidneys, but it is also nephrotoxic. It is thought to cause damage to proximal renal epithelial cells, which results in acute renal failure. The precise mechanism by which PR is excreted by the kidney has not been fully elucidated, although current evidence indicates that it is actively secreted via a cation transport system. This review examines the renal cytotoxic effect and excretory mechanisms of PQ, and the role of organic cations in modulating the renal handling of PQ. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.