Induction, prevention and mechanisms of contrast media-induced acute renal failure

This study describes the development of an experimental model of reversible acute renal failure following infusion of contrast media radiographic dye. Experiments were also performed to investigate possible methods of prevention as well as examine single nephron mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the renal failure. Acute renal failure was consistently produced by indomethacin treatment (18 mg/kg) and an intravenous infusion of contrast media (7 ml/kg) into New Zealand rabbits that had been on a low sodium diet for one week. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), measured by daily creatinine clearance in unanesthetized animals, was significantly decreased (P less than 0.001) 24, 48, and 72 hours following infusion of the contrast dye. Two weeks after induction of acute renal failure, GFR had returned to control. GFR was unchanged during the same time period when the sodium deprived rabbits were given either indomethacin or contrast media alone. Chronic administration of DOCA (1 mg/kg s.c.) and saline drinking water which increased sodium and solute excretions and decreased plasma renin activity also prevented the decrease in GFR. However, acute infusion of either saline or mannitol, which transiently increased sodium and solute excretions and decreased plasma renin activity, did not protect against the development of acute renal failure. Light microscopy revealed no glomerular or tubular changes and no visible obstruction. Micropuncture experiments were performed on three additional groups of anesthetized rabbits: control, acute renal failure, and recovery. Recovery rabbits were allowed a two week period after renal failure before they were micropunctured.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)