Effect of moxonidine on urinary electrolyte excretion and renal haemodynamics in man

Moxonidine and related compounds have been recently introduced into antihypertensive therapy. It is thought that these drugs exert their blood pressure lowering effect through interaction with nonadrenergic receptors in the central nervous system, i.e. imidazoline receptors, although the contribution of specific interaction with ₂-receptors is still under debate. Imidazoline receptors have recently been documented in the renal proximal tubule. In experimental studies, interaction of imidazolines with these receptors decreased the activity of the Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter and induced natriuresis. To quantitate the effect of the imidazoline receptor agonist moxonidine on renal sodium handling and renal haemodynamics in man, we examined ten healthy normotensive males (aged 25 ± 4 years) in a double blind placebo-controlled study using a crossover design. Subjects were studied on a standardized salt intake (50 mmol per day). On the 7th and 10th study day they were randomly allocated to receive either i.v. placebo or i.v. 0.2 mg moxonidine. Urinary electrolyte excretion, lithium clearance (as an index of proximal tubular sodium handling), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), renal vascular resistance (RVR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma noradrenaline (NA) levels were assessed. Injection of moxonidine did not increase fractional sodium excretion or lithium clearance. Specifically, antinatriuresis was not observed after injection of moxonidine despite a significant decrease in MAP from 91 to 85 mmHg and a significant increase in PRA. MAP and PRA did not change with administration of placebo. Injection of moxonidine did not affect GFR and RVR; ERPF decreased slightly but not significantly. Acute administration of 0.2 mg i.v. moxonidine decreased blood pressure in healthy volunteers on standardized salt intake, but did not affect natriuresis, proximal tubular sodium reabsorption or glomerular filtration rate. The absence of an antinatriuretic response despite a decrease in blood pressure suggests a direct facilitation of natriuresis by moxonidine.     

Metoclopramide,domperidone and dopamine in man: actions and interactions

Summary The effects of oral doses of the dopamine antagonist antiemetics metoclopramide and domperidone on baseline and dopamine stimulated renal function and systemic haemodynamics were assessed in a placebo controlled crossover study in 9 healthy volunteers.Metoclopramide did not change baseline ERPF, GFR or FF over 2 h post dosing but it significantly reduced baseline U_NaV, U_KV, urine flow, urinary dopamine excretion, supine and erect diastolic blood pressure and supine systolic blood pressure. Domperidone and placebo did not cause these effects.Metoclopramide caused a marked rise and domperidone a small fall in plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) but placebo was without effect. Neither antiemetic altered plasma renin activity (PRA) but a small fall occurred with placebo.Two hours after pretreatment with placebo dopamine (2 g/kg/min) increased effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), sodium excretion rate (U_NaV), urine flow rate, urinary dopamine excretion rate, supine systolic blood pressure and supine and erect pulse rate and decreased the potassium excretion rate (U_KV), filtration fraction (FF) and supine diastolic blood pressure.Metoclopramide pretreatment, did not attenuate the dopamine induced rise in ERPF, GFR, urine flow, urinary dopamine excretion or supine systolic blood pressure but it did attenuate the rise in pulse rate, the fall in diastolic pressure, and the antikaliuretic effect of dopamine leading to a net kaliuresis when compared to placebo. Domperidone was similar to placebo.Neither metoclopramide nor domperidone given orally caused clinically important antagonism of the renal haemodynamic effects of dopamine. However the effects of metoclopramide on blood pressure and electrolyte excretion may have clinical importance.Metoclopramide has significant pharmacodynamic effects which are probably not due to DA₂ antagonism but may be mediated by DA₁ antagonism or be non-specific.Abbreviations DA dopamine - ERPF effective renal plasma flow - FF filtration fraction - GFR glomerular filtration rate - PAC plasma aldosterone concentration - PRA plasma renin activity - UV urine flow rate - U_NaV urinary sodium excretion rate (natriuresis) - U_KV urinary potassium excretion rate (kaliuresis) - HPLC high performance liquid chromatography.     

Effect of purified Russell’s viper venom-factor X activator (RVV-X) on renal hemodynamics, renal functions, and coagulopathy in rats

Acute renal failure (ARF) is the most frequent and a serious complication in victims of Russell’s viper snakebites. Russell’s viper venom-factor X activator (RVV-X) has been identified as a main procoagulant enzyme involving coagulopathy, which might be responsible for changes in renal hemodynamics and renal functions. Here, we purified RVV-X from crude Russell’s viper venom to study renal hemodynamics, renal functions, intravascular clot, and histopathological changes in Sprague-Dawley rats. Changes in renal hemodynamics and renal functions were evaluated by measuring the mean arterial pressure, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), effective renal blood flow (ERBF), renal vascular resistance (RVR), and fractional excretion of electrolytes. After 10 min, rats receiving both crude venom and purified RVV-X decreased GFR, ERPF, and ERBF and increased RVR. These changes correlated to renal lesions. Along with the determination of intravascular clot, rats injected with purified RVV-X increased the average D-dimer level and reached a peak at 10 min, declined temporarily, and then reached another peak at 30 min. The temporal association between clots and renal dysfunction was observed in rats within 10 min after the injection of purified RVV-X. These findings suggested RVV-X as a major cause of renal failure through intravascular clotting in the renal microcirculation.     

Renal function following sea snake venom (Lapemis hardwicki) administration in dogs treated with sodium bicarbonate solution

The effects of sea snake venom (SSV) on renal function were studied in two groups of anesthetized experimental dogs pretreated with intravenous infusion of 4.2 gm% NaHCO3 solution. Animals were envenomated by intramuscular injection of SSV at a dosage of 0.34 mg/kg. Systemic hemodynamics showed no significant changes except for a tendency of decrease in cardiac output (CO). The glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the rate of urine flow (V) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), and effective renal blood flow (ERBF) significantly decreased, while filtration fraction (FF) significantly increased at 180 min after envenomation. Envenomated animals showed a reduction in renal fraction (RF), while renal vascular resistance (RVR) increased stepwise throughout the experimental periods. Animals pretreated with sodium bicarbonate showed no significant changes of CO, TPR MAP, HR, and packed cell volume (PCV) while receiving sea snake venom. Animals pretreated with sodium bicarbonate showed no changes in GFR, ERPF, ERBF, RF, and RVR after envenomation. The rate of urine flow markedly increased in envenomated animals which received pretreatment with bicarbonate. After envenomation alone, there were no differences in the plasma concentration of sodium (PNa) and chloride (PCl) as compared to the control value, whereas the plasma concentration of potassium (PK) increased at 180 min after envenomation. Animals pre-treated with bicarbonate showed a stepwise increase in both UNaV, FE(NA), U(Cl)V, and FE(Cl) accompanying SSV injection. Neither PNa nor PCl were affected, while PK significantly decreased in animals given SSV with bicarbonate loading. UKV and FEK increased stepwise in envenomated animals treated with bicarbonate throughout the period of study. All groups of animals given SSV, with or without NaHCO3 infusion, showed a marked elevation of the concentration of urinary myoglobin (U(Mb)), plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and plasma creatine phosphokinase (CPK) throughout experimental periods. The urinary myoglobin excretion markedly increased in animals after SSV injection accompanied by NaHCO3 infusion. It can be concluded that large amounts of myoglobin present in the renal tubules in envenomated animals can precipitate, particularly under acidic conditions, resulting in increased intratubular pressure and subsequently decreased renal hemodynamics including GFR and ERBF. An infusion of NaHCO3 to render urine more alkaline could have a protective role against depression of renal function following sea snake venom administration.     

Renal haemodynamics and function in weanling rats treated with enalapril from birth

1. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) during kidney development produces chronic alterations in renal morphology and function that have been characterized in detail in adult animals. The aim of the present study was to determine the consequences of neonatal angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition on renal haemodynamics and function in rats at a much earlier age, namely 3-4 weeks. 2. Male Wistar pups received daily intraperitoneal injections of enalapril (10 mg/kg) or isotonic saline from birth until 24-28 days of age, when renal haemodynamics and function were assessed using clearance techniques under pentobarbital anaesthesia. 3. Enalapril-treated rats showed significant reductions in glomerular filtration rate (GFR; -44 +/- 6%; P < 0.05), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF; -33 +/- 6%; P < 0.05) and filtration fraction (-16 +/- 3%; P < 0.05) compared with saline-treated controls. Although mean arterial pressure tended to be lower in enalapril-treated rats, this group demonstrated a significant increase in renal vascular resistance compared with control rats (RVR; 46 +/- 6 vs 32 +/- 3 mmHg/mL per.min per g.kidney weight, respectively; P < 0.05). In enalapril-treated rats, urine osmolality was reduced (-59 +/- 5%; P < 0.05) and urine flow rate and fractional urinary excretion rates of sodium and potassium were markedly elevated compared with controls (P < 0.05). Enalapril-treated rats showed severe renal histological abnormalities, including wall thickening of cortical arterioles, papillary atrophy and tubulointerstitial alterations, mimicking those described previously in similarly treated rats examined in adulthood. 4. In conclusion, neonatal ACE inhibition in rats induces pronounced alterations in renal haemodynamics and function, characterized by reductions in ERPF and GFR, increased RVR and impaired tubular sodium and water reabsorption, which are evident at weaning.     

Atenolol ν placebo in mild hypertension: Renal, metabolic and stress antipressor effects

1 The effects of 8 week treatment periods of atenolol and placebo on effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), plasma renin activity (PRA), oral glucose, fasting lipids and Achilles tendon reflex were compared in a double-blind crossover trial in ten subjects with mild hypertension.

2 Atenolol reduced resting blood pressure and pulse rate but did not prevent the rise in blood pressure and pulse rate in response to three kinds of stress.

3 Mean glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow were below the normal range during placebo (1.31 ml/s and 7.40 ml/s respectively) but were not significantly different on atenolol (1.23 ml/s and 7.18 ml/s). Serum urea was significantly (P < 0.01) higher on atenolol (6.7 mmol/l) than on placebo (5.6 mmol/l) but serum creatinine did not change. PRA was lower on atenolol (0.42 nmol l^-1 h^-1) than on placebo (1.01 nmol l^-1 h^-1).

4 The mean values of fasting cholesterol, triglycerides, ankle jerk contraction time, spirometry, weight, serum potassium, sodium and chloride were similar on atenolol and placebo.

5 Fasting blood sugar was a little higher (P < 0.05) on atenolol and the 1 and 2 h post-glucose serum insulin levels were a little lower (P < 0.01).

6 The cardioselectivity of atenolol does not impair its anti-hypertensive effect and may be associated with less effect on renal function. The metabolic effects of atenolol seem to differ from those of metoprolol.

     

Haemodynamic and renal effects of felodipine in young and elderly subjects

Objective: To study the influence of age on renal and haemodynamic effects of the calcium antagonist felodipine. Methods: Eight young (mean age 27 years) and eight elderly (mean age 75 years) healthy normotensive subjects were given felodipine intravenously for 120 min aiming at close to therapeutic plasma level concentration. Renal blood flow (RBF) and renal vascular resistance (RVR) was estimated from para-aminohippuric acid (PAH) clearance ^51CrEDTA clearance was used to measure glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and used in the calculations of fractional excretion (FE) of electrolytes. Impedance cardiography was performed to assess stroke volume and for the calculation of cardiac output and ejection fraction. Results: At the end of felodipine infusion, the concentration of felodipine was on average 10.0 nmol · l⁻¹ in young and 12.0 nmol · l⁻¹ in elderly subjects (NS). During felodipine infusion blood pressure (BP) decreased from 138/76 to 120/68 in elderly subjects. The BP in young subjects was 126/74 at basal and 125/70 after infusion of felodipine. The systemic and renal vascular resistance decreased to a similar extent in young and elderly subjects after felodipine infusion. Felodipine caused a decrease in systemic vascular resistance from 25.6 to 23.3 in elderly and from 23.8 to 21.8 in the young subjects. Mean values for RVR at baseline and during infusion of felodipine were significantly higher in the elderly (10.1–15.1) than in the young subjects (5.4–6.7). Felodipine reduced RVR by 10% in the young and by 12% in the elderly at the end of infusion. The young subjects had 31% higher GFR than the elderly subjects at the start of infusion. Felodipine infusion did not affect GFR. There were no effects on stroke volume and ejection fraction. An initial natriuretic effect was found after infusion of felodipine in the young subjects. The fractional excretion of all electrolytes tended to increase after both felodipine and placebo, more in the elderly than in the young subjects. Conclusion: The effects of felodipine on central and renal haemodynamics previously observed in young and middle-aged subjects also seem to exist in the elderly. Volume expansion seems to increase the excretion of electrolytes more in elderly than in young people, and therefore the effect of felodipine on natriuresis is more evident in young subjects. Received: 25 October 1997 / Accepted: 7 April 1998     

Acute effects of candesartan cilexetil (the new angiotensin II antagonist) on systemic and renal haemodynamics in hypertensive patients

Objectives: This study was performed to assess the acute effects of the new angiotensin II antagonist, candesartan cilexetil, on systemic and renal haemodynamics in patients with sustained essential hypertension [diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 95–114 mmHg]. Methods: After 4 weeks of placebo treatment, systemic and renal haemodynamics were investigated in 17 patients with a mean age of 62 years and a mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 170/98 mmHg, just before (baseline) and for 4 h after administration of a single oral dose of candesartan cilexetil, 16 mg. Plasma concentrations of candesartan (the active compound formed from the pro-drug candesartan cilexetil), angiotensin II (Ang II), as well as plasma renin activity (PRA), were measured before and after dosing. Results: At 2, 3 h and 4 h after dosing with candesartan cilexetil, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and DBP, as well as mean arterial pressure (MAP), were significantly lower than at baseline. The mean reduction in MAP 4 h after dosing was 8.8 mmHg (−6.5%). This effect was due to a fall in total peripheral resistance (TPR), while heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) were virtually unchanged. After 4 h there was a marked reduction in renal vascular resistance (RVR) of 0.0273 mmHg · ml⁻¹ · min (−16%), resulting in an increased renal plasma flow of 64.9 ml · min⁻¹ (14%). The glomerular filtration rate was increased by 7.75 ml · min⁻¹ (8%), and the filtration fraction (FF) was not significantly changed. There was no apparent relationship between the changes observed in systemic and renal haemodynamic variables and plasma concentrations of candesartan. Plasma renin activity increased over the study period, but in general the patients had low PRA. Changes in plasma concentrations of angiotensin II were inconsistent between patients. Conclusion: A single oral tablet of candesartan cilexetil, 16 mg, induced systemic and renal arterial vasodilatation and blood pressure reduction, without compromising renal perfusion or filtration or affecting cardiac performance. Plasma renin activity which was low in general, increased over the study period, but changes in plasma concentrations of angiotensin II were inconsistent. Received: 7 May 1997 / Accepted in revised form: 20 April 1998     

The effects of alpha-adrenoceptor blockade on dopamine-induced renal vasodilation and natriuresis

Summary To establish the effects of alpha-adrenoceptor blockade on dopamine-induced changes in renal hemodynamics and sodium excretion, dopamine dose-response curves were performed without and with pretreatment with the selective postsynaptic alpha₁-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin in normal volunteers and in patients with renal disease and moderately impaired renal function.Prazosin (1 mg p. o. every 4 h) in 7 volunteers did not significantly affect baseline values but impaired the response of effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and filtration fraction (FF) to infusions of dopamine in doses ranging from 0.5 to 8 g/kg per minute and completely abolished the dopamine-induced increase in sodium excretion. In 7 patients with renal disease and a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ranging from 38–85 ml/min pretreatment with prazosin did not affect baseline ERPF, GFR or FF or their response to dopamine infusion, but sodium excretion and its response to dopamine infusion were reduced (fractional excretion of sodium at baseline 1.78 without and 0.89 with prazosin pretreatment).We conclude that alpha₁-adrenoceptor blockade with prazosin abolishes the effects of exogenous dopamine on sodium excretion in normal man. Prazosin also impairs the renal vasodilatory action of dopamine. However, the effect on sodium excretion is not directly related to inhibition of dopamine-induced renal vasodilation since in patients with renal disease prazosin also markedly reduces sodium excretion but does not influence the renal hemodynamic effects of dopamine. Send offprint requests to A. J. Smit at the above address     

The effect of celiprolol on glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow in patients with chronic renal impairment and healthy volunteers.

A double-blind, placebo controlled study investigated the effects of celiprolol, 200 mg daily for 7 days, on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and estimated renal blood flow (ERBF) in eight healthy volunteers and eight patients with chronic renal insufficiency. In healthy volunteers the mean difference in GFR was 4.8 ml min-1 (95% CI -8.2 to 17.7 ml min-1) and the mean difference in ERBF was 49.8 ml min-1 (95% CI -47.5 to 147 ml min-1) after celiprolol. In patients with chronic renal insufficiency the mean difference in GFR was -2.1 ml min-1 (95% CI -64.6 to 65.8 ml min-1). The study had sufficient power to detect a 15% change in GFR for normals and 10% for patients, and for ERBF, changes of 14% and 23% were detectable. Celiprolol at a dose of 200 mg daily for 7 days can be used in patients with chronic renal insufficiency without adversely affecting GFR or ERBF.     

The effects of intravenous L-dopa on plasma renin activity, renal function, and blood pressure in man

Summary L-dopa 7 µg·kg^–1·min^–1 was given intravenously over 2 h to six healthy subjects, controlled by an infusion of saline on a separate occasion, with measurement of plasma renin activity (PRA), urinary sodium and potassium excretion, effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood pressure, and pulse rate.Mean PRA fell by 50% following L-dopa, which was significantly different from the slight rise which occurred after saline infusion. There was a significant increase in urinary sodium excretion and effective renal plasma flow on infusion of L-dopa. Mean diastolic blood pressure fell during L-dopa infusion, in contrast to the slight increase which occurred during the control study.These observations confirm the anticipated renal dopaminergic effects of L-dopa and also suggest a dopaminergic influence on renin release in man.     

A comparison of the effects of etodolac and ibuprofen on renal haemodynamics, tubular function, renin, vasopressin and urinary excretion of albumin and α-glutathione-S-transferase in healthy subjects: a placebo-controlled cross-over study

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to be potentially nephrotoxic agents. NSAIDs inhibit the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase and thereby block the prostagladin synthesis in the kidneys. Cyclo-oxygenase exists in two isoforms (COX-1 and COX-2). It has been proposed that NSAIDs with preferential COX-2 selectivity have fewer renal side effects than drugs with preferential COX-1 selectivity. Etodolac is a relative selective inhibitor of COX-2, while ibuprofen has a higher potency against COX-1 than COX-2. Objective: In this study, we compared the effects of etodolac and ibuprofen on renal function, plasma renin, plasma arginine vasopressin and the urinary excretion of albumin and α-glutathione-S-transferase (α-GST). Methods: In a randomised, double-blind, three-way crossover study with placebo, we compared the effects of 2 weeks of treatment with ibuprofen and etodolac on renal haemodynamics [glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF) and filtration fraction (FF)], tubular function and plasma concentrations of the hormones renin (PRC) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) in 18 healthy subjects. In addition, we examined the effects on the urinary excretion of albumin and α-GST as markers of renal injury. Results: No differences were found between the three treatments, placebo, ibuprofen and etodolac, in the effects on GFR, RPF, FF, free water clearance, urinary output or fractional excretion of potassium and sodium. However, ibuprofen, in contrast to etodolac, caused a significant decrease in both lithium clearance (−16% versus placebo) and the fractional excretion of lithium (−17% versus placebo), suggesting an increase in the re-absorption in the proximal tubuli. PRC was reduced significantly by ibuprofen (−32% versus placebo) but not etodolac. None of the drugs changed AVP. Fourteen days of treatment with ibuprofen caused a significant decrease (−47% versus placebo) in the urinary excretion of α-GST, while no changes were seen after etodolac. None of the drugs changed the urinary excretion of albumin. Conclusion: In conclusion, a 14-day administration of etodolac or ibuprofen in therapeutic doses did not affect the renal haemodynamics, the net excretion of electrolytes or the urinary excretion of albumin in healthy subjects. However, ibuprofen, in contrast to etodolac, caused a reduction in PRC, suggesting that COX-1 is involved in basal renin release in humans. Furthermore, ibuprofen decreased lithium excretion suggesting that COX-1 is involved in the re-absorption of sodium and/or water in the proximal tubuli. The reduction in the urinary excretion of α-GST by ibuprofen may be caused by an inhibition of the detoxification enzyme by ibuprofen. Overall the study indicates that only small differences in the effects of the two drugs on renal function in healthy subjects exist during a treatment period of 2 weeks. Received: 10 November 1999 / Accepted: 21 April 2000     

The acute haemodynamic and renal effects of oral felodipine and ramipril in healthy subjects

Summary The aim of the present investigation was to compare the acute haemodynamic and renal effects of the calcium antagonist felodipine with the ACE inhibitor ramipril and with placebo.Single oral doses of felodipine 5 and 20 mg, ramipril 2.5 and 10 mg, and placebo were given to ten healthy subjects in a double-blind cross-over study. Blood pressure, heart rate, forearm blood flow (FBF), forearm vascular resistance (FVR), renal blood flow (RBF), renal vascular resistance (RVR), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), filtration fraction (FF), diuresis, and sodium excretion were recorded for 4.75 h after administration.Felodipine 20 mg caused a significant fall in diastolic blood pressure, maximal 12 % compared with placebo, while there were no significant effects of felodipine 5 mg or the two doses of ramipril. Heart rate increased significantly after both doses of felodipine, maximal 28% after the 20 mg dose. There was also a small but significant increase in heart rate of 12% after ramipril 2.5 mg. FVR fell significantly after both doses of felodipine, maximal 38 % after the 20 mg dose. There were no significant changes in FVR after any of the ramipril doses. Both doses of felodipine and both doses of ramipril caused significant reductions in RVR. Maximal reduction, 33 %, was found after felodipine 20 mg. There were no significant changes in GFR or FF with either drug. Felodipine caused a significant increase in natriuresis, maximal 129% while ramipril did not.     

Dissociation of renal vasodilator and natriuretic effects of dopamine during sulpiride infusion in normal man

The effect of sulpiride on dopamine-induced changes in renal function in man has been investigated. Dopamine dose-response studies were performed in 7 healthy volunteers before and after sulpiride 200 mg i.v. The same investigations were performed in 15 healthy volunteers after pretreatment with the selective alpha-1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (n = 7) and the non-selective alpha-adrenoceptor-blocker phentolamine (n = 8). Infusion of dopamine 0.25 to 8 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 resulted in a dose-dependent increase in effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and a fall in filtration fraction (FF) in 7 normal volunteers. Sulpiride had no effect on base-line ERPF or GFR and did not influence the dopamine-induced renal vasodilatation in those volunteers. It did cause a fall in the fractional sodium excretion (FENa+%) from 1.7 to 1.38, and shifted the dose-response curve of the natriuretic response to a subsequent infusion of dopamine. Sulpiride enhanced the fall in diastolic blood pressure during infusion of dopamine. In 7 other volunteers pretreated with prazosin, sulpiride did not influence base-line ERPF, GFR or FF or their response to dopamine, but the sodium excretion fell markedly (FENa+% changed from 1.13 to 0.63). Administration of sulpiride to 8 volunteers after phentolamine pretreatment 20 mg.h-1 i.v. in the first hour followed by 10 mg.h-1 i.v. resulted in a fall in sodium excretion (FENa+% from 1.09 to 0.53) without affecting ERPF or FF, and it did not affect the dose-response curve in the subsequent DA infusion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Acute renal effects of oral felodipine in normal man

Summary The acute renal effects of a single oral dose of felodipine 0.15 mg/kg were studied in 8 healthy males. Thirty minutes after administration the mean plasma concentration was 25.7 nmol/l. There was a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure (24%) and a concomitant rise in heart rate (38%), leaving the systolic pressure unchanged. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) were measured by the constant infusion technique using the clearance of¹²⁵I-iothalamate and¹³¹I-hippuran respectively. GFR was unchanged and the filtration fraction (FF) was reduced, whilst there was a decrease in renal vascular resistance (RVR). The glomerular filter characteristics were unchanged, as estimated by the unchanged excretion rate of albumin. There was a significant rise in the clearance of sodium (176%) but only a small and insignificant increase in urine volume. Clearance of potassium was decreased. An increase in the clearance of uric acid and a rise in the beta-2-microglobulin excretion rate were found, both suggesting a proximal tubular effect of felodipine. The excretion rate of calcium was increased.     

Effects of systemic inhibition of Rho kinase on blood pressure and renal haemodynamics in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The RhoA/Rho associated kinases (ROCK) pathway has been implicated in the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Early stages of diabetes are associated with renal haemodynamic changes, contributing to later development of DN. However, the role of RhoA/ROCK, known regulators of vascular tone, in this process has not been studied.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Blood pressure (BP), glomerular filtration (GFR), effective renal plasma flow and filtration fraction (FF) in response to the ROCK inhibitors Y27632 (0.1 and 0.5 mg·kg⁻¹) and fasudil (0.3 and 1.5 mg·kg⁻¹) were examined in streptozotocin-diabetic rats and non-diabetic controls.

KEY RESULTS

Diabetic rats demonstrated baseline increases in GFR and FF. In contrast to similar decreases in BP in diabetic and control rats, renal vasodilator effects and a decrease in FF, following ROCK inhibition were observed only in diabetic rats. The vasodilator effects of Y27632 and a further decrease in FF, were also detected in diabetic rats pretreated with the angiotensin antagonist losartan. The effects of ROCK inhibitors in diabetic rats were modulated by prior protein kinase C (PKC)β inhibition with ruboxistaurin, which abolished their effects on FF. Consistent with the renal vasodilator effects, the ROCK inhibitors reduced phosphorylation of myosin light chain in diabetic kidneys.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The results indicate greater dependence of renal haemodynamics on RhoA/ROCK and beneficial haemodynamic effects of ROCK inhibitors in diabetes, which were additive to the effects of losartan. In this process, the RhoA/ROCK pathway operated downstream of or interacted with, PKCβ in some segments of the renal vascular tree.     

Comparative Nephrotoxicity of a Novel Platinum Compound, Cisplatin, and Carboplatin in Male Wistar Rats

The nephrotoxicity of three platinum-containing antitumor agentswas compared at doses that approximate the LDIO (cisplatin)or the LD5O (CI-973, carboplatin) doses. Male Wistar rats wereadministered single iv doses of 45 mg/kg CI-973, 6.5 mg/kg cisplatin,or 65 mg/kg carboplatin and observed for 4 days. Cisplatin treatmentincreased blood urea nitrogen (4X), creatinine (3x), glucose,and fractional electrolyte excretions, and decreased creatinineclearance by Day 4. These parameters were not significantlyaltered in CI-973- and carhoplatin-treated animals. Cisplatinincreased urinary excretion of LDH (six fold), GGT (twofold),and NAG (twofold); CI-973 and carbo platin increased GGT excretion(approximately twofold). Cis platin induced the following functionalchanges as a conse quence of direct nephrotoxicity: decreasesin GFR (84%), ERPF (97%), ERBF (96%), and ERTS (95%), and increasesin FF (fivefold). Functional changes, attributed to prerenaleffects of CI-973, included a decrease in ERPF (35%) and anincrease in FF (48%). No changes were seen following carboplatintreat ment. All cisplatin-treated rats had proximal tubularnecrosis in the outer stripe of the outer medulla, extendingmultifocally into inner cortical medullary rays. No renal lesionswere de tected by light or electron microscopy in the controlor Cl-973- or carboplatin-treated rats. Cisplatin produced markednephro toxicity as determined by biochemical, functional, andhisto pathologic endpoints. CI-973 and carboplatin were significantlyless nephrotoxic than cisplatin.     

The Acute Effects of FK-506 on Renal Haemodynamics,Water and Sodium Excretion and Plasma Levels of Angiotensin II,Aldosterone, Atrial Natriuretic Peptide and Vasopressin in Pigs

FK-506 has been shown to be an effective immunosuppressive drug with possible nephrotoxic side effects. In this study we have investigated the acute effects of FK-506 on renal haemodynamics, water, sodium and lithium excretion rates and plasma levels of angiotensin II, aldosterone, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and vasopressin in 29 anaesthetized Lancaster/Yorkshire female pigs. A continuous intravenous infusion was given over a 2-h period to 4 groups: A: 0.075 mg kg^?1 (n = 7), B: 0.15 mg kg^?1 (n = 8), C: 0.3 mg kg^?1 (n = 6) and P: placebo vehicle (n = 8). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) were measured by the constant infusion clearance technique using 125-I-iothalamate and 131-I-hippuran as reference substances. Hormonal parameters were measured by radioimmunoassay. In all three FK-506 groups, fractional lithium excretion was significantly decreased 2 h after FK506 infusion (P: + 0.4%, A: ? 8.8% (P < 0.05), B: ?12.9% and C: ?11.2% (P < 001 for both). Mean arterial blood pressure (MBP) was significantly increased in the two highest dosage groups (B,C) at 2 h of infusion: (MBP; P: +2.9%, A: +3.5%, B: +12.0%, C: + 15.3% (P < 0.01 for both). GFR and RPF showed minor and inconsistent changes while all other parameters measured showed similar or no changes. In conclusion, acute infusion of FK-506 to pigs does not change overall renal function significantly, but increases mean arterial blood pressure and decreases fractional excretion of lithium.     

Comparison of the antihypertensive and renal effects of tertatolol and nadolol in hypertensive patients with mild renal impairment

Summary The antihypertensive and renal haemodynamic effects of 5 mg/day tertatolol (T), a new nonselective and long-acting beta-adrenoceptor blocker, and 80 mg/day nadolol (N) in hypertensive patients with mild renal impairment have been compared in a randomized double-blind trial.Before and after 30 days of active treatment, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were determined by use of a simultaneous i.v. bolus of ^99mTc-DTPA and ¹³¹I-hippuran. Both T and N significantly decreased blood pressure and heart rate, and induced an insignificant increase in GFR and ERPF.There were no differences between the effect of the treatments on blood pressure and heart rate.Despite the persistent fall in BP and HR, renal function was maintained during both T or N treatment, suggesting that both drugs may act by a direct intrarenal vasodilator mechanism.     

Systemic and renal haemodynamic effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition by zabicipril in young and in old normal men

Summary Zabicipril is a recently introduced angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which has been observed in experimental animals to increase diuresis, natriuresis, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF). We have investigated the acute effects of zabicipril on systemic and renal haemodynamics in two groups of 8 sodium-replete normal men, aged 23 to 30 y and 65 to 74 y. Zabicipril 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2.5 mg and a placebo were administered orally, at one week intervals, in a random order and in a double blind fashion. Haemodynamic measurements were performed at base line and every hour for 4 hours after intake of drug or placebo. Cardiac output (Q) was measured by Doppler echography, and RPF and GFR by the constant infusion technique using I¹²³ iodohippurate and Cr⁵¹ EDTA, respectively.In the young men zabicipril did not affect Q, heart rate (HR), systemic arterial pressure (AP) or GFR, but it did increase RPF at the 4th hour after the highest dose (from 540 to 653 ml · min^–1 · m^–2). In the old men zabicipril had similar actions, but the effect of the highest dose on RPF (from 355 to 415 ml · min^–1 · m^–2) was less marked than in the young men. In the young and old men the inhibition of ACE peaked at about of 90% or more from the 2th to the 4th hour after the highest dose of zabicipril.We conclude that, in normal men, zabicipril increases the renal fraction of cardiac output in the absence of a concomitant change in systemic haemodynamics. This specific effect of zabicipril on the kidney may be less important with advancing age.