Role of nitric oxide (EDRF) in radiocontrast acute renal failure in rats

This study was undertaken to examine the possible role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), identified as nitric oxide (NO), in the pathogenesis of radiocontrast-induced acute renal failure in rats. Normal and salt-depleted rats were monitored for 60 min or 24 h after radiocontrast administration. The administration of L-arginine to normal rats abolished the immediate decrease in p-aminohippurate clearance (CPAH) and attenuated the decrease in inulin clearance (CIn). The administration of NO synthase inhibitor to the salt-depleted animals resulted in a significantly more pronounced decrease in CPAH compared with both the control and the L-arginine-treated animals. The recovery of CIn 24 h after radiocontrast administration to the salt-depleted rats was significantly better in the L-arginine-treated rats than in either the control or inhibitor-treated groups. The administration of radiocontrast material resulted in a significant decrease in urinary guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate as well as NO2 + NO3 excretion. This decrease was significantly attenuated by L-arginine. Our results 1) suggest that NO plays a major role in the pathogenesis of radiocontrast-induced acute renal failure and 2) suggest a novel therapeutic approach, i.e., the use of L-arginine in this form of acute renal failure.