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Urinary concentrating defect in glutathione-depleted rats
A M Torres1, J V Rodríguez, M M Elías
1Instituto de Fisiología Experimental, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina.
Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Acute glutathione depletion in rats impairs kidney function, reducing urine concentration ability. This suggests glutathione is vital for maintaining the kidney
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Biochemistry
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- Glutathione is a critical endogenous antioxidant.
- Its role in renal concentrating mechanisms is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of acute glutathione depletion on rat renal concentrating function.
- To identify potential cellular targets of glutathione depletion within the kidney.
Main Methods:
- Rats were injected with diethyl maleate to deplete glutathione.
- Urine concentration and dilution, glomerular filtration rate, and electrolyte/water excretion were measured.
- Renal tissue osmolality and Na+-K+ ATPase activity were assessed.
Main Results:
- Diethyl maleate treatment significantly reduced renal glutathione levels.
- Impaired glomerular filtration rate, electrolyte, and water excretion were observed.
- Reduced urine-to-plasma osmolality ratio, diminished free water formation, lower medullary Na+-K+ ATPase activity, and a weakened corticomedullary osmolality gradient were noted.
Conclusions:
- Acute glutathione depletion impairs renal concentrating ability.
- The ascending limb of Henle's loop is a likely target for glutathione depletion effects.
- Glutathione plays a crucial role in maintaining kidney concentrating function.