FUNCTIONAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF DEFIBROTIDE ON RENAL ISCHEMIA

Defibrotide (Df) has been reported to protect various organs from isch emic damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Df on renal function and morphology after warm kidney ischemia. Divided int o two groups, 14 pigs underwent bilateral renal clamping for 90 min. O ne group (7 pigs) was treated with Df (32 mg/kg per h) for 6 h, wherea s the control group received 5000 IU of heparin. Serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine measured for 6 days were significa ntly higher in the control group (peak 26.8 +/- 16.7 vs 11.0 +/- 2.9 m mol/l and 501.2 +/- 351.4 vs 230.2 +/- 68.0 mumol/l P < 0.05). Renal b iopsy evidenced a lesser extent of tubular and endothelial damage in D f-treated animals. In conclusion, Df provided relevant protection agai nst renal ischemic injury.