Contribution of thromboxane to renal resistance changes in the isolated perfused hydronephrotic rabbit kidney

Thromboxane A2 is not produced in normal rabbit kidneys, but its synthesis is induced in numerous renal pathological states. The presence of this potent vasoconstrictor could readily compromise renal hemodynamics. We found that the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, OKY-1581 (sodium-3-[4,3-pyridylmethyl)phenyl]-2-methylacrylate) is effective in the perfused hydronephrotic kidney in selectively inhibiting thromboxane production without altering prostaglandin E2 or prostacyclin release. The vasoactive peptides bradykinin and angiotensin cause the hydronephrotic kidney to produce thromboxane A2, which results in a profound renal vasoconstriction which is reversed by pretreatment with OKY-1581. Thus, OKY-1581 provides a powerful tool which can be used to assess the participation of thromboxane in pathophysiological states and to ascertain the therapeutic potential of thromboxane synthetase inhibitors in numerous disease states.