Effect of pre-treatment with desferrioxamine and mannitol on radical production and kidney function after ischaemia-reperfusion. A study on rabbit kidneys

The effects of pre-treatment with mannitol and the iron chelator desferrioxamine on oxygen radical formation and glomerular and tubular function after ischaemia in the rabbit kidney were studied. Radicals were measured with ESR and spin trapping. At reperfusion after 60 min of renal ischaemia there was a significant increase in the production of free radicals in the venous effluent from the kidney. Administration of either mannitol or desferrioxamine given before ischaemia and before recirculation reduced the radical production significantly. The iron chelator appeared to be more effective. Glomerular function measured 48 h after reperfusion was significantly better after pretreatment with desferrioxamine and mannitol compared with mannitol alone. Tubular function did not differ between the two pre-treatment groups.