Renal ischemia and pharmacological prevention: experimental structural and ultrastructural observations

Defibrotide is a polydeoxiribonucleotid derived from the bovine's lung. It stimulates the release of prostacyclines (PGI2) from the vascular endothelium, thus determining profibrinolytic, antithrombotic, and thrombolytic actions. These activities have been experimentally demonstrated by several authors in different animal species through models of ischemia in different organs. The aim of the present study was to carry out an experimental model of acute renal insufficiency with a bilateral and temporal hot ischemia in order to confirm by light microscopy the structural alterations, and by transmission and scanning electron microscopy the ultrastructural alterations, and therefore establish the effects of Defibrotide in preventing reperfusion injuries. Kidney samples were observed as a blind-trial by three different operators. A certain preventive effect against ischemia was evidenced, probably due to the cytoprotective action of Defibrotide in close relation also with an increase in PGI2 production.