Vascular Smooth Muscle Function in Rats with Acute Renal Failure

Abstract

Vascular smooth muscle function in rats with glycerol-induced acute renal failure (ARF) was investigated by recording both the contractile responses of portal vein segments and the relaxant responses depressed contractile responses to the alpha 1-agonist methoxamine, the alpha 2-agonist B-HT 920 and to the calcium agonist BAY K 8644 when compared with controls. Both isoprenaline and nitroprusside produced 100% reversal of KCl induced tone in control aortic rings but in rings from rats with ARF complete reversal of of tone could not be obtained with either dilator drug. It is suggested that a defect in mitochondrial function and hence energy supply may account for the diminished ability of vascular preparations from rats with ARF to constrict and relax.

Effects of Amifostine on Glycerol‐Pretreated Rabbit Kidneys

“…On the other hand, it is possible that accumulation of reactive oxygen metabolites in glycerol‐induced acute renal failure may also contribute to nephrotoxicity by releasing iron from haemoglobin and/or myoglobin since haem iron causes proximal tubular lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity (George & Irvine 1952; Zager & Foerder 1992). A defect in mitochondrial function and hence energy supply may also contribute to the diminished ability of vascular preparations to constrict and relax, obtained from rats with glycerol‐induced acute renal failure (Douglas et al 1989).…”