Lack of effect of metoclopramide on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Metoclopramide has gained acceptance as an effective drug for the control of nausea and vomiting in cancer patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy. In addition to its emetogenic side effects, cisplatin is known to be nephrotoxic. This animal study was undertaken to determine if the severity of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is altered by the coadministration of metoclopramide. Female F-344 rats received subcutaneous saline or metoclopramide 30 min before and 120 min after intravenous administration of saline or cisplatin. Animals were sacrificed on the 5th day following treatment. Decreases in body weight, elevations in serum urea nitrogen and histopathological changes were of similar magnitude in all cisplatin treated groups regardless of concomitant metoclopramide administration. Saline dosed control animals did not exhibit these changes. It is concluded that the coadministration of metoclopramide did not significantly alter the nephrotoxic effects of cisplatin in this experiment.