Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Punjab University, Chandigarh-160014
The role of nitric oxide (NO) in acute renal failure (ARF) is debatable. In the present study, we investigated the effect of acute administration of NO precursor, LArginine and NO synthase inhibitor, N(omega)-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in Fe-NTA model of renal toxicity.
Rats were pretreated with L-Arginine (125mg/kg, I.P.) and L-NAME (10mg/kg, I.P.) prior to administration of Fe-NTA (8mg iron/kg body weight, I.P.) to determine the urea and creatinine levels along with biochemical analysis of oxidative stress.
Fe-NTA administration markedly increased a BUN and serum creatinine level which was coupled with a marked lipid peroxidation, and reduced activity of glutathione and tissue nitrite levels of rat kidneys. Concomitant treatment with L-Arginine significantly reduced the serum creatinine and BUN levels, reduced lipid peroxidation in a significant manner, restored levels of reduced glutathione and increased tissue nitrite levels. Prior administration of L-NAME reversed the effects produced by L-Arginine.
These findings strongly suggest that nitric oxide plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of iron-induced renal failure, and administration of NO donors can be valuable in the treatment of ARF.
