The uptake and accumulation of metals occurs in the kidney, which is a key site for interaction between metal nephrotoxicants. The uptake/accumulation and interaction of CdCl2, HgCl2, K2Cr2O7, and NaAsO2 was examined in precision-cut rabbit renal cortical slices. Slices were incubated with 10(-6) to 10(-3) M of a single metal toxicant or combinations of metal toxicants for 12 hr in DME-F12 media. Slices were blotted and sandwiched between two mylar films stretched across XRF sample cups. Quantitation of the metal in the slices was performed by proton-induced X-ray emission analysis (PIXE). The uptake of the metals was rapid, often reaching a maximum between 3 to 6 hr; the accumulation of Hg was highest, followed in order by Cd, Cr, and As. When two metals were present together, substantial alterations were observed in the uptake of the metals in the slices. HgCl2 hindered the uptake of K2Cr2O7, NaAsO2, CdCl2 (in this order), whereas these metals facilitated the uptake of HgCl2. However, a decreased uptake of both metals was often noted after exposure to other combinations of metals. PIXE analysis of metal content in slices is attractive since all elements (atomic number > 20) can be determined simultaneously. This information will be particularly useful in studying potential toxic interactions.