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The calcium channel blocker nitrendipine attenuates renal and glomerular hypertrophy in diabetic rats
B Nielsen1, H Gronbaek, R Osterby
1Institute of Experimental Clinical Research, M-Laboratory II, University Institute of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. BirgitteNielsen@dadlnet.dk
Abstract:
The efficacy of the calcium channel blocker nitrendipine in preventing early renal and glomerular hypertrophy and increased urinary albumin excretion (UAE) was studied in experimental diabetes in rats, starting treatment at the onset of diabetes. Female Wistar rats were randomised into four groups: diabetic and non-diabetic rats were given either placebo or nitrendipine (250 mg/kg) in the diet for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks the kidneys in the diabetic animals had increased significantly compared to the non-diabetic controls. In the diabetic nitrendipine-treated animals renal and glomerular hypertrophy was significantly smaller than in the diabetic placebo-treated group (p < 0.05). After an initial increment within the first week, the UAE remained constant throughout the study period in the diabetic nitrendipine-treated animals, while a steady increase was seen in the diabetic placebo-treated group (p < 0.05). No differences were seen in systemic blood pressure between calcium- channel-blocker-treated groups and placebo-treated groups. In conclusion, administration of nitrendipine to diabetic rats for 8 weeks had a significant inhibitory effect on renal and glomerular hypertrophy, and showed a tendency towards a reduction in UAE (p = 0. 06) without affecting metabolic control or systemic blood pressure.
Insights
Nitrendipine, a calcium channel blocker, effectively reduced kidney and glomerular hypertrophy in diabetic rats. This treatment showed a trend towards lowering urinary albumin excretion without impacting blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy is a major complication of diabetes, characterized by renal hypertrophy and increased urinary albumin excretion (UAE).
- Early intervention is crucial to mitigate kidney damage in diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of the calcium channel blocker nitrendipine in preventing early renal and glomerular hypertrophy and increased UAE in experimental diabetes.
- To assess the impact of nitrendipine on systemic blood pressure and metabolic control in diabetic rats.
Main Methods:
- Female Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: diabetic and non-diabetic, treated with either placebo or nitrendipine (250 mg/kg) in the diet for 8 weeks.
- Kidney weight, glomerular hypertrophy, UAE, systemic blood pressure, and metabolic control parameters were measured.
Main Results:
- Diabetic rats exhibited significant renal and glomerular hypertrophy compared to non-diabetic controls.
- Nitrendipine treatment significantly reduced renal and glomerular hypertrophy in diabetic rats (p < 0.05).
- UAE remained stable in nitrendipine-treated diabetic rats, while it increased steadily in placebo-treated diabetic rats (p < 0.05). No significant differences in blood pressure were observed.
Conclusions:
- Nitrendipine administration effectively inhibited renal and glomerular hypertrophy in diabetic rats.
- Nitrendipine showed a tendency to reduce UAE in diabetic rats (p = 0.06) without affecting metabolic control or systemic blood pressure.
- These findings suggest a potential renoprotective role for nitrendipine in early experimental diabetic nephropathy.