Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Decreased endothelium dependent relaxation (nitric oxide) in diabetic kidneys
A Costa e Forti1, M C Fonteles
1Department of Clinical Medicine, Federal University of Cearä, Fortaleza.
Abstract:
To evaluate the endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in diabetic kidneys, we have perfused rabbit kidneys at 30 degrees C with Krebs-Henseleit solution in a non-recirculated perfusion system. To increase vascular tonus, we infused norepinephrine (NOR) (10(-6)M) into the renal artery. After the vasoconstriction reached steady state conditions, a dose-response study was performed with acetylcholine (Ach) and bradykinin (Bk). Administration of Ach (10(-7)M - 10(-5)M) or Bk (10(-8) - 10(-7)M) in cumulative curves through the renal artery promoted a vasodilation, which was dose-dependent in normal and diabetic (three weeks after 150 mg of alloxan, intraperitoneally) kidney. We found a decreased vasodilator response to Ach (p < 0.05) and Bk (p < 0.01) in diabetic animals, when compared to controls. When sodium nitroprusside (10(-8) - 10(-7)M) was administrated through the renal artery to evaluate the endothelium-independent vasodilating effects, a similar vasodilator response was found in both normal and diabetic kidneys. These data indicate for a failure of the vasodilator mechanism dependent on endothelium in alloxan-diabetic kidneys.
Related Concept Videos
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Diuretics
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Nephropathy
Diabetic Neuropathy

