TOXIC ACUTE-RENAL-FAILURE IN THE RAT - EFFECTS OF DILTIAZEM AND URODILATIN ON RENAL-FUNCTION

Beneficial effects of natriuretic peptides have been reported in diffe rent models of acute renal failure (ARF). Calcium antagonists can also improve renal function, especially in ischemic models of ARE The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of urodilatin and diltiaze m alone and in combination in uranyl nitrate-induced toxic ARF in the rat. Three hours after induction of ARF glomerular filtration rate (GF R) was clearly diminished to about 50% compared to basal values. Intra venous infusion of diltiazem and urodilatin revealed a significant inc rease of GFR that even continued after cessation of drug delivery. Com bined administration of urodilatin and diltiazem had no additional eff ect, probably due to a more pronounced fall in blood pressure in this group. Besides their vasorelaxing and blood pressure lowering effects both drugs also revealed diuretic activity. In conclusion bath urodila tin and diltiazem are able to elevate GFR in the early phase of toxic ARF in the rat.