Dilazep prevents glomerulosclerosis in accelerated Masugi nephritis in the rat

The effects of Dilazep on immunologically induced glomerular injuries were examined. Accelerated Masugi nephritis in rats produced glomerulosclerosis with proteinuria following administration of a single dose of nephrotoxic serum (NTS). When 5 mg/kg/day of Dilazep had been administered prior to the NTS injection, the proteinuria was resolved rapidly after reaching a maximum level. The glomeruli 3 months later showed significant suppression of glomerulosclerosis and lesser adhesive lesions as compared to those in control rats with Masugi nephritis. On the other hand, when Dilazep was administered from 2 weeks after the injection of NTS, the rats displayed persistent proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis at similar levels to those in the Masugi group. Dilazep appears to exert some protective effects in the early stages of glomerular injuries induced by immunological mechanisms.