Biomedical subjects

R Sabra

Publications and source records attributed to R Sabra.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Influence of phenobarbital on changes in Na(+) handling, hemodynamics and liver function due to partial portal vein ligation in rats.

This study examined the influence of phenobarbital, an inducer of hepatic enzymes, on Na(+) handling, hemodynamics and liver function (measured by the rate constant of elimination of aminopyrine in the aminopyrine breath test) after partial portal vein ligation. Rats were randomized to drink either phenobarbital + water or water only for 10 days and then underwent either sham operation or partial portal vein ligation. The aminopyrine rate constant of elimination and Na(+) balance were measured daily before and after surgery; after surgery, hemodynamic measurements were obtained daily in a subset of rats. Phenobarbital raised the baseline aminopyrine rate constant of elimination. Partial portal vein ligation, but not sham operation, caused equivalent reductions in the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination in phenobarbital- and water-treated groups, such that the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination remained higher in the former. Na(+) balance increased significantly in partial portal vein ligation + water, but not sham + water rats on day 1 and then decreased on days 2 and 3. In contrast, neither sham + phenobarbital nor partial portal vein ligation + phenobarbital rats had a significant increase in Na(+) balance. Partial portal vein ligation resulted in vasodilation on day 3 after surgery in the water-treated rats, an effect that was prevented by treatment with phenobarbital. These results support previous suggestions that a reduction in liver function triggers renal Na(+) retention in this model. Vasodilation is not necessary for the latter effect, but also appears to be dependent on a reduction in liver function.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Role of humoral mediators in, and influence of a liposomal formulation on, acute amphotericin B nephrotoxicity.

The mechanisms responsible for amphotericin B nephrotoxicity remain incompletely understood, but clearly involve reduction in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. Both direct effects of amphotericin B on contractile vascular cells, and indirect effects, due to humoural mediators, have been proposed. This study examines the role of nitric oxide, endothelin and angiotensin II in the acute nephrotoxic effects of amphotericin B in rats, and compares the anti-fungal and nephrotoxic effects of liposomal amphotericin B and amphotericin B-deoxycholate. Anaesthetized rats were given infusions of amphotericin B-deoxycholate in the presence or absence of N-nitro-L-arginine, PD 145065, a non-specific endothelin receptor antagonist, and L-158809, an angiotensin II type I receptor antagonist, or increasing doses of liposomal amphotericin B. Amphotericin B-deoxycholate (0.03 mg/kg/min intravenously) caused a significant 44% reduction in glomerular filtration rate and 65% maximal fall in renal blood flow. N-Nitro-L-arginine-treated rats had a lower renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate at baseline, but sustained similar reduction of 53% and 75% in these parameters, respectively. PD145065 and L-158809 did not modify these effects either. Increasing doses of liposomal amphotericin B (from 0.01 up to 0.50 mg/kg/min.) induced no change in either glomerular filtration rate or renal blood flow. In vitro susceptibility tests revealed similar potency for liposomal amphotericin B and amphotericin B-deoxycholate in their fungistatic effects and slightly higher potency for amphotericin B-deoxycholate in their fungicidal effect. These results suggest that endogenous endothelin, angiotensin II or nitric oxide systems are not involved in the nephrotoxic effects of amphotericin B. The liposomal amphotericin B results suggest that amphotericin B nephrotoxicity is due to a direct interaction of amphotericin B with renal cells that is prevented by its encapsulation in liposomes.

Amphotericin B↗

PubMed2000

Post-junctional mechanisms involved in the potentiation of cardiac adrenergic responses by cocaine.

Cocaine cardiotoxicity is partly due to sympathetic activation of the heart resulting from inhibition of catecholamine uptake at the sympathetic nerve terminal and possible central sympathetic stimulation and/or inhibition. This study evaluated the role of postsynaptic mechanisms in potentiation by cocaine of cardiac adrenergic responses. Cardiovascular responses (arterial and left ventricular pressure, contractility and heart rate) to increasing doses of noradrenaline and to isoproterenol were obtained in anesthetized cats during a control period, after irreversible alpha-adrenoceptor blockade with phenoxybenzamine (5 mg/kg i.v.), and after cocaine (5 mg/kg, i.v.). Responses to noradrenaline were significantly reduced by phenoxybenzamine with lowering of the maximal rise of all parameters. Cocaine shifted the dose-response curve of noradrenaline to the left and enhanced its maximal effects. Some responses to isoproterenol, which is not taken up by nerve terminals, were also enhanced by cocaine. Pretreatment with chlorisondamine or verapamil prevented the cocaine-induced enhancement of the maximal response to noradrenaline and the response to isoproterenol, but it did not inhibit potentiation of submaximal doses. Lidocaine did not potentiate the response to noradrenaline or isoproterenol. Use of chlorisondamine instead of cocaine potentiated responses to all noradrenaline doses and enhanced the responses to isoproterenol. These results suggest that the potentiation by cocaine of cardiac responses to adrenergic stimuli involves presynaptic mechanisms to block noradrenaline re-uptake, and postsynaptic mechanisms to raise the maximal responses. The latter may result from inhibition of central sympathetic outflow or from activation of cardiac Ca(+) channels, leading to increased cardiac sensitivity to noradrenaline.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

PubMed1998

Drug-related hospitalization at a tertiary teaching center in Lebanon: incidence, associations, and relation to self-medicating behavior.

OBJECTIVE: In Lebanon there is very limited restriction on drug use. Accordingly, self-medication is highly prevalent. This study examined the influence of these factors on the development of drug-related illnesses that lead to hospitalization. METHODS: Patients admitted to the medical and pediatric wards of a tertiary teaching center in Beirut, Lebanon, over a period of 6 months were interviewed and their charts were reviewed. Admissions attributable to adverse drug reactions or therapeutic failures were identified and characterized with respect to demographic factors, medical history, drug intake, and self-medicating behavior. The influence of these variables on the development of drug-related illnesses was examined by logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 1745 adults and 457 children, there were 177 (10.2%) and 36 (7.9%) drug-related illnesses, respectively. Adverse drug reactions accounted for 7.0% and 5.7% and therapeutic failures for 3.2% and 2.2% of adult and pediatric admissions, respectively. Self-medication was commonly practiced (52.6% of adults and 41.6% of children). Logistic regression analysis revealed that female sex increased the risk of adverse drug reaction in adults, whereas self-medication decreased the risk. In children, the risk of adverse drug reaction was increased in lower socioeconomic groups, whereas the risk of therapeutic failure was increased by a positive history of atopy or drug reaction. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide the first detailed analysis of the problem of drug-related illnesses in a developing country and identify a number of related or risk factors. Despite the lack of regulation of drug dispensing and the unchecked access to drugs in Lebanon, the incidence of drug-related illnesses is not different from that in Western nations. This finding may have relevance to policies of drug regulation in other countries.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Adenosine does not mediate renal sodium retention and peripheral vasodilation elicited by partial portal vein ligation in rats.

This study was conducted to assess the role of adenosine in the peripheral vasodilation and sodium retention that occurs after partial portal vein ligation (PVL) in the rat. The experiment was performed on day 1 after surgery when transient maximal sodium retention developed and day 7 when rats returned to sodium balance. Hemodynamic studies were conducted under anesthesia in portal hypertensive rats with sodium retention and in sham-operated controls. Measurements were obtained before and after administration of a nonselective A1 and A2 adenosine receptor antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine (DPSPX) (10 mg/kg intravenously followed by 150 micrograms/min). Under baseline conditions, portal hypertensive rats with sodium retention were hypotensive, with decreases in total peripheral resistance and filtration fraction on day 1 in comparison with the control group. Although hyperdynamic circulation was still maintained by day 7, there was a return to sodium balance. The adenosine receptor antagonist had a modest vasoconstrictor effect on systemic and renal vasculature in both groups, but less in portal hypertensive rats. However, no change in glomerular filtration rate was observed. DPSPX induced a natriuresis in control rats (from 0.40 +/- 0.11 to 5.97 +/- 0.61 mEq/min on day 1, from 0.48 +/- 0.20 to 6.34 +/- 0.45 mEq/min on day 7). This response was attenuated in portal hypertensive rats on day 1 (from 0.14 +/- 0.04 to 1.67 +/- 0.57 mEq/min). but not on day 7 (from 0.20 +/- 0.06 to 5.11 +/- 0.55 mEq/min). These results suggest that in portal hypertensive rats (1) adenosine is not responsible for vasodilation and sodium retention, (2) a sodium-retaining factor acting directly on the renal tubule is responsible for sodium retention.

Adenosine↗

PubMed1996

Reduced liver function is the trigger for renal sodium retention following portal vein ligation in the rat.

Sodium retention along with peripheral vasodilation are features of prehepatic portal hypertension. In several models of experimental liver damage, sodium retention occurs only when hepatic function, measured by the aminopyrine breath test (ABT-k), falls below a critical threshold. The relationship between renal sodium handling, ABT-k and systemic and renal haemodynamics in partial portal vein ligated (PVL) rats was examined to test hypothesis that peripheral vasodilation was responsible for initiating sodium retention. Haemodynamic measurements were conducted early after surgery in portal hypertensive rats with and without sodium retention and in sham-operated controls. Compared with control, both PVL groups of rats had elevated portal pressure and lower peripheral vascular resistance (P < 0.05). Sodium retaining-PVL rats had both lower ABT-k (0.95 +/- 0.05 vs 1.38 +/- 0.06 x 10(-2)/min; P < 0.05) and higher sodium balance (1.38 +/- 0.09 vs 0.43 +/- 0.09 mmol/day; P < 0.05) than non-sodium retaining PVL rats. No differences in plasma renin activity or noradrenaline concentrations were observed. In a separate group of rats, hydralazine-induced pheripheral vasodilation did not induce sodium retention. These results suggest that the presence of peripheral vasodilation alone is not sufficient to trigger a sodium-retaining status. A factor, probably liver function-dependent, acting directly on renal tubules may be necessary for changes in renal sodium handling in this model.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Potassium depletion potentiates amphotericin-B-induced toxicity to renal tubules.

Hypokalemia and potassium depletion are frequent complications of amphotericin B therapy. Both ischemic and gentamicin-induced renal failure is potentiated by potassium depletion; it is, therefore, possible that amphotericin B nephrotoxicity is similarly influenced. This study evaluated whether the acute nephrotoxic response to amphotericin B is potassium sensitive. Potassium-depleted and control rats were subjected to an acute intravenous infusion of either amphotericin B (AmB-K; AmB, n = 10 in each) or its vehicle (V-K, V; n = 6 in each). Potassium-depleted rats had both lower urinary daily excretion and lower plasma levels of potassium than control animals (0.1 +/- 0.0 vs. 2.1 +/- 0.2 mEq/day, p < 0.001, and 3.8 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.9 +/- 0.1 mEq/l, p < 0.001, respectively). In AmB and AmB-K groups, there were equivalent falls in glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow, and a rise in renal vascular resistance, compared with V and V-K. In contrast, the AmB-K group showed a higher urinary excretion of sodium (AmB-K vs. AmB: 2.9 +/- 0.7 vs. 1.1 +/- 0.3 microEq/min; p < 0.05) and fractional excretion of Na (AmB-K vs. AmB: 1.6 +/- 0.4 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.1%; p < 0.05) in comparison to the AmB group. Neither of these parameters changed in either amphotericin B or vehicle-treated groups. These results suggest that potassium depletion does not influence the acute renovascular effects of amphotericin B but potentiates its tubular toxicity. This may have clinical implications since hypokalemia and potassium depletion are frequent complications of amphotericin B therapy.

Amphotericin B↗

PubMed1995

Relationship between oxidative hepatic metabolism, urinary sodium excretion and sympathetic nerve activity in experimental cirrhosis in the rat.

This study investigated the relationship between changes in renal sympathetic activity as assessed by renal norepinephrine spill-over and the onset of renal sodium retention in the phenobarbital/carbon tetrachloride model of experimental cirrhosis in rats. In this model, sodium retention occurs when hepatic function, assessed by the aminopyrine breath test (ABT), falls below a critical threshold. Three groups of rats, studied on a constant salt diet, included a group with cirrhosis and sodium retention, a group with cirrhosis of similar duration and no sodium retention and a time-control phenobarbitaltreated group. ABT, renal plasma flow (RPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured at the time of catecholamine sampling in anesthetized rats. Cirrhosis was associated with reductions in MAP, no change in RPF and GFR, and an ABT below the threshold in rats with sodium retention. In contrast, rats without sodium retention had liver function above the threshold. Renal norepinephrine spill-over increased continuously from controls to non-sodium retaining and sodium retaining animals. The difference between sodium retaining animals and controls was significant. Norepinephrine spill-over correlated to ABT and MAP but not urinary salt excretion. The data suggest that, under these experimental conditions, increased sympathetic activity may contribute to the onset of sodium retention. A plausible explanation for the continuous increase is that catecholamines are released as a compensatory mechanism in response to a primary yet undefined vasodilator.

Aminopyrine↗

PubMed1993

Sodium retention and hepatic function following partial portal vein ligation in the rat.

Recent studies have suggested that the development of sodium retention in experimental cirrhosis in the rat occurs when hepatic function, measured by the aminopyrine breath test, decreases below a critical threshold. The present study evaluated the relationship between renal sodium handling and hepatic function and determined whether sodium retention occurs following partial portal vein ligation. Sodium balance, urine volume, creatinine clearance and the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination, on a constant sodium intake, were evaluated daily, from 1 day before surgery to 5 days after surgery, in both sham-operated (n = 6) and partially portal vein-ligated rats (n = 14). In the partially portal vein-ligated group, sodium retention occurred in 9 rats between 1 and 4 days after surgery, accompanied by a 45% reduction in the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination. Spontaneous natriuresis occurred within 5 days after surgery, and was associated with an increase in the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination from 0.94 +/- 0.07 x 10(-2) min-1 on the last day of sodium retention to 1.36 +/- 0.06 x 10(-2) min-1 on the day of diuresis (P < 0.05). In contrast, creatinine clearance did not change throughout the study. There was a negative curvilinear association between sodium balance and the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination (r = 0.70, P < 0.001). In the five rats without sodium retention, there was no change in the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination and creatinine clearance over the 5 days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aminopyrine↗

PubMed1993

Interaction between thromboxane A2 and angiotensin II in postischemic renal vasoconstriction in dogs.

The kidney responds to periods of ischemia with vasoconstriction and a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) on reperfusion. The mediators of this response have not been fully identified. In this study, we examined the contribution of angiotensin II (AII), thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and the interaction between them to this response. Anesthetized dogs were subjected to 30 min of clamping of both renal arteries. Renal hemodynamics and function were followed from 60 min before and for 105 min after clamping. Dogs were divided into salt-depleted (AII-stimulated) and captopril-treated (AII-inhibited) groups. Each group included dogs that received either the TXA2 synthase inhibitor CGS 13080 or its vehicle (controls) starting 30 min before renal artery clamping and lasting to the end of the experiment. In captopril-treated control dogs, 30 min of ischemia induced a 25% fall in renal blood flow (RBF). GFR initially fell by 75%, but recovered to 64% of base-line value 60 to 90 min after release of the clamp. In captopril-treated dogs, CGS 13080 prevented the fall in RBF, but the GFR response was similar to vehicle-treated dogs. In control dogs, both GFR and RBF responses were enhanced in salt-depleted compared with captopril-treated dogs; the decrease in RBF (44%) was greater, and the recovery in GFR, which fell by 89%, less. In salt-depleted, CGS 13080-treated dogs, the 30% fall in RBF was less than its control, but greater than dogs treated with captopril and CGS 13080. The change in GFR was similar to the other groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed1992

Effect of amphotericin B on intracellular calcium levels in cultured glomerular mesangial cells.

Amphotericin B induces a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate due, in part, to a decrease in the glomerular capillary ultrafiltration coefficient (Kf), possibly resulting from mesangial cell contraction. The present study has examined the effect of amphotericin B on intracellular free calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in cultured glomerular mesangial cells, using the fluorescent probe, fura-2. Under control conditions, amphotericin B caused a concentration-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i with a 231 +/- 52 nM increase at a concentration of 10(-6) M. This increase was almost completely inhibited when Ca2+ ions were omitted from the cell medium (an increase of 34 +/- 7 nM, P less than 0.0001). Replacement of extracellular Na+ ions with N-methylglucamine caused a marked inhibition of the amphotericin B-induced rise in [Ca2+]i (28 +/- 5 nM, P less than 0.0001). Diltiazem (20 microM) also suppressed the rise in [Ca2+]i seen with amphotericin B (36 +/- 6 nM, P less than 0.0001). In contrast, theophylline (20 microM) enhanced the response to amphotericin B (351 +/- 51 nM rise, P less than 0.001). The results suggest that amphotericin B-induced mesangial cell contraction is secondary to Ca2+ entry from the extracellular space through voltage-dependent calcium channels. The dependence of the response on extracellular Na+ suggests that Na+ entry induces depolarization of the membrane and opening of voltage-dependent calcium channels.

Amphotericin B↗

PubMed1992

Acute and chronic effects of flucytosine on amphotericin B nephrotoxicity in rats.

The combination of intravenous flucytosine (FC) in 0.9% saline (NaCl) and amphotericin B (AmB) provides synergistic antifungal activity and is associated with a lower incidence of nephrotoxicity than with AmB treatment alone. This study was conducted to examine whether flucytosine can influence renal function and whether it can modify the acute and chronic renal responses to AmB in the rat. In the in situ perfused rat kidney, FC at a concentration of 10 mg/kg/min for 15 min had a vasodilator effect, increasing renal blood flow by 2.5 +/- 0.7 ml/min, an effect not observed with vehicle. After the infusion of FC was stopped for 15 min, AmB induced a decrease in renal blood flow similar to that with both FC and vehicle. In a second series of studies, AmB (5 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally) was administered to four groups of rats for 7 days. In addition, the following groups received the intravenous daily interventions indicated: group 1, 5% dextrose in water (15 ml/kg/12 h); group 2, FC (150 mg/kg/12 h) in 0.9% saline (15 ml/kg/12 h); group 3, 0.9% saline (15 ml/kg/12 h); and group 4, FC (150 mg/kg/12 h) in 5% dextrose in water. Group 1 sustained a 77% decrease in creatinine clearance over the 7 days and a threefold increase in serum creatinine concentration (P of < 0.05). Groups 2, 3, and 4 sustained significantly less nephrotoxicity, with no change in serum creatinine concentration and only 38, 41, and 53% decreases in creatinine clearance, respectively (P of < 0.05), compared with that for group 1. AmB levels in renal tissue varied inversely to creatinine clearance (r of 0.57, P of < or = 0.005). However, no significant differences were found in levels in tissue between groups (P of 0.06). The results of this study suggest that FC has a small but significant effect in reducing chronic AmB-induced nephrotoxicity. This amelioration of renal injury is independent of saline administration. There was evidence that the extent of renal uptake of AmB related to the efficiency of renal function at the end of the experiment.

Amphotericin B↗

PubMed1992

Influence of the adenosine receptor antagonist, CGS 15943A, on renal function after reconstruction of chronic renal artery stenosis in the dog.

Surgical reconstruction of chronic renal artery stenosis may correct the anatomical defect but not result in an initial improvement in function of the revascularized kidney. The functional and hemodynamic changes associated with surgical correction of the one-clip, two-kidney, canine model of renovascular hypertension were studied. In 14 dogs, a surgical clip was placed across the proximal renal artery and tightened to decrease perfusion pressure (RPP) and blood flow (RBF). One month later, measurements were obtained distal to the constriction, before and 30 min after vascular reconstruction. Surgical reconstruction was associated with a rise in RPP (86%, P less than .001), renal vascular resistance (47%, P less than .001) and RBF (22%, P less than .05). Creatinine clearance (CCr) remained unchanged, but a significant negative association existed between initial CCr and change in CCr. The role of adenosine in mediating these changes was examined using the selective receptor antagonist, CGS 15943A (CGS), or its vehicle. After vascular reconstruction, vehicle dogs sustained a marked increase in renal vascular resistance, with a 60 +/- 8 mm Hg rise in RPP, but only an 18% rise in RBF. In contrast, renal vascular resistance was unchanged in the CGS group, with a 56 +/- 7 mm Hg increase in RPP and a 69% increase in RBF (P less than .0001). CCr was not changed by either vascular reconstruction or CGS 15943A. Vascular reconstruction was associated with increases in urinary flow rate and sodium excretion in both groups, but this change was significantly greater in the CGS group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine↗

PubMed1991

Effect of salt supplementation on amphotericin B nephrotoxicity.

It has been suggested that salt loading protects against amphotericin B-induced nephrotoxicity. The influence of saline loading on the nephrotoxic response to amphotericin B (50 mg/dose given i.v. over 4 hr 3 X/week for 10 weeks) was assessed in two groups of ten patients each who were diagnosed with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Patients were randomized to receive either 1 liter of 0.9% saline or 1 liter of 5% dextrose in water, administered i.v. over one hour in a double-blinded manner, directly prior to amphotericin B administration. Renal function was monitored on a weekly basis two days after the last dose of amphotericin B. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups except for a slightly higher serum creatinine concentration (Cr) in the saline group (0.8 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.04 mg/dl). Baseline sodium (Na) excretion was relatively high (262 +/- 23 mmol/day in the dextrose group and 224 +/- 17 mmol/day in the saline group). None of the patients sustained an increase in Cr to values greater than 1.7 mg/dl. Although mean Cr remained within normal, there was a significant difference between the two groups over the ten week period, with the dextrose group sustaining a significant increase in Cr and the saline group remaining unchanged. Serum potassium (K) levels fell in both groups necessitating oral K supplementation. The saline group required significantly greater amounts of K supplementation to maintain a normal serum K. Amphotericin B caused a rapid reduction in the acidification ability of the kidney in response to an ammonium chloride load. Under these conditions, the saline group had a poorer ability to acidify the urine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

Mechanisms of amphotericin B-induced decrease in glomerular filtration rate in rats.

Mechanisms responsible for the reductions in renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in response to acute infusions of amphotericin B were investigated in vivo in rats. The influence of salt status and the roles of adenosine, cyclic AMP, and calcium influx were examined. Amphotericin B was infused into the renal artery in seven groups of rats at 0.025 mg/kg of body weight per min for 15 min. RBF and GFR were measured over 15 min before, during, and after the infusion. Control rats were maintained on a normal salt diet; a second group of rats received a salt-depleted diet, and a third group received a high-salt intake. Four other groups were kept on a normal diet and received theophylline (0.5 mumol/kg/min into the renal artery, intra-arterially [i.a.]), dibutyryl cyclic AMP (85 micrograms/min, i.a.), the 5'-nucleotidase inhibitor adenosine alpha,beta-methylene diphosphate (4 mg/kg, intramuscularly), or diltiazem (20 micrograms/kg/min, i.a.). Control rats had a prompt 50% decrease in RBF in response to amphotericin B. This was sustained over the 15-min infusion period and was accompanied by a decrease in creatinine clearance (CLCR) (from 0.83 +/- 0.08 to 0.40 +/- 0.09 ml/min; P less than 0.05). On stopping the infusion, RBF returned quickly to baseline but CLCR continued to decrease further (to 0.35 +/- 0.07 ml/min; P less than 0.05). Salt loading, theophylline, and diltiazem administration prevented the decreases in both RBF and CLCR. Both RBF and CLCR responses in the remaining groups were not significantly different from those in controls. The results of this study reveal a protective effect of salt loading and theophylline against amphotericin B nephrotoxicity in the rat but deny a role for adenosine in mediating these effects. They further suggest that theophylline inhibits the acute responses by a mechanism unrelated to either adenosine receptor blockade or phosphodiesterase inhibition and that calcium influx into the cells is probably responsible for the acute changes in RBF and GFR in response to amphotericin B.

Amphotericin B↗

PubMed1991

Sodium retention and hepatic function after two-thirds hepatectomy in the rat.

Recently it was suggested that the onset of sodium retention in experimental cirrhosis in rats is related to a critical threshold of hepatic function, as assessed by the aminopyrine breath test. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether sodium retention occurred after two-thirds hepatectomy in rats and to investigate the relationship between sodium retention and changes in hepatic function associated with liver regeneration in this model. Sodium balance, creatinine clearance, serum sodium and the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination were evaluated daily for 4 days after surgery in partially hepatectomized (n = 6) and sham-operated rats (n = 6). All rats in the partial hepatectomy group exhibited sodium retention (sodium balance greater than 0.7 mmol/day) 24 hr after surgery. This was associated with a 62% reduction of the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination. Spontaneous natriuresis which occurred between 2 and 4 days after surgery, was associated with an increase in the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination (from 0.73 +/- 0.02 x 10(-2) min-1 on the last day of sodium retention to 0.95 +/- 0.04 x 10(-2) min-1 on the first day of natriuresis [p less than 0.05]). In contrast, no change in creatinine clearance occurred over the same period. A negative curvilinear association was found between sodium balance and the aminopyrine rate constant of elimination in all animals (r = -0.72, p less than 0.001). These observations indicate that natriuresis is related to the recovery of liver function, not to changes in creatinine clearance. In conclusion, the concept of a critical threshold of liver function below which sodium retention occurs has been substantiated in this model of hepatic dysfunction.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1990

The onset of sodium retention in experimental cirrhosis in rats is related to a critical threshold of liver function.

Although sodium retention is a common complication in advanced liver disease, the relationship between liver and kidney function in cirrhosis has not been well established. The objective of this study was to investigate this relationship in an experimental model of cirrhosis induced in phenobarbital-treated rats by weekly intragastric administration of carbon tetrachloride. Liver function, measured by the aminopyrine breath test, and urinary sodium excretion on a constant salt diet, were measured weekly. Administration of carbon tetrachloride led to cirrhosis, sodium retention, ascites and a reduction in liver function as measured by the amino pyrine breath test in all 15 rats surviving the first 8 wk. The time to develop sodium retention (defined as a decrease in urinary sodium excretion rate to less than 0.3 mmol/24 hr) varied from 9 to 19 wk. The aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimination was reduced from 24 x 10(-3) min-1 +/- 2 x 10(-3) min-1 at the start of carbon tetrachloride administration by 61% +/- 10% at the time sodium retention occurred. A linear decrease was seen in aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimination in the weeks preceding the onset of sodium retention. Sodium retention occurred when aminopyrine breath test rate contant of elimination was reduced to a critical threshold of 10 x 10(-3) +/- 1 x 10(-3) min-1, and then permitted to recover above this level by withdrawal of carbon tetrachloride. Sodium retention occurred when the aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimination fell below the threshold; this was followed by spontaneous diuresis when aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimination improved above 10 x 10(-3) +/- 1 x 10(-3) min-1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aminopyrine↗

PubMed1990

Renal and systemic hemodynamics in experimental cirrhosis in rats: relation to hepatic function.

The onset of sodium retention in the phenobarbital and carbon tetrachloride model of cirrhosis in the rat is preceded by a linear decrease in hepatic function as measured by the aminopyrine breath test. Sodium retention occurs when liver function decreases below a critical threshold. Changes in systemic hemodynamics may be responsible for initiating the development of renal sodium retention. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between hepatic function and systemic and renal hemodynamics of experimental cirrhosis in rats maintained on a constant salt diet. Cirrhosis was induced in phenobarbital-treated rats by weekly administration of carbon tetrachloride. The aminopyrine breath test served as a measure of hepatic function. Three groups of animals were studied to evaluate the contribution of changes in systemic and renal hemodynamics to the onset of sodium retention: a group with sodium retention and aminopyrine breath test results just below the critical threshold, a group without sodium retention and aminopyrine breath test results just above the critical threshold and a phenobarbital-treated control group. In each group, urinary sodium excretion, renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, mean arterial pressure and arterial and renal venous plasma renin activities were determined. A progressive, significant reduction in mean arterial pressure was seen, comparing controls with the other two groups. No differences in renal plasma flow were observed between the three groups, but glomerular filtration rate and filtration fraction were slightly reduced in the sodium-retaining group compared with the non-retaining group and controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aminopyrine↗