BOSENTAN, AN ORALLY-ACTIVE ENDOTHELIN ANTAGONIST - EFFECT ON THE RENAL RESPONSE TO CONTRAST-MEDIA

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of bosentan, an orally active endotheli n-receptor antagonist, on the renal response to contrast media in the isolated perfused rat kidney (IPRK) and to establish whether bosentan can inhibit contrast media-induced nephrotoxicity in a multiple-insult model in the conscious rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Renal function was measured in the IPRK (n = 24) and in the rats that had undergone unil ateral nephrectomy, were maintained an a salt-free diet, and were rece iving indomethacin (10 mg/kg/d; n = 60). RESULTS: In the IPRK, diatriz oate and iotrolan reduced the glomerular filtration rate and renal per fusate Bow, an effect markedly inhibited by bosentan (n = 6 per group) . In the multiple-insult rat model, the fall in creatinine clearance p roduced by diatrizoate was also markedly inhibited by bosentan (n = 15 per group). CONCLUSION Endothelin antagonists such as bosentan may be used to reduce the prevalence of contrast-induced nephrotoxicity.