Limitation of shockwave-induced enhanced crystal deposition in traumatizedtissue by verapamil in rabbit model

Objective: To evaluate the possible protective effect of verapamil (a calci um channel blocking agent) against the traumatizing effects of high-energy shockwaves (HESW) and new stone formation, as indicated by crystal depositi on in the renal parenchyma, an experimental study was performed in rabbits. Methods: A total of 65 rabbits were included. During severe hyperoxaluria i nduced by continuous ethylene glycol (EG) (0.75%) administration, animals i n the first group (N = 15) received EG only, and animals in the second grou p underwent administration of 500 to 1500 shockwaves, animals in the third group (N = 15) received verapamil (0.1 mg/kg) for 3 days prior to HESW appl ication, a control group (N = 15) received various numbers (500 to 1500) of shockwaves alone. Sham-treated animals (N = 5) constituted the last group in our study, Three months after shockwave application, tissue sections obt ained from treated and untreated kidneys were evaluated histopathologically under light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the presence and degree of crystal deposition in the cortical parenchymal regio n subjected to HESW, Results: Whereas crystal deposition was evident in the intercellular region and intratubular parts of the parenchyma in animals receiving EG and HESW, especially in those receiving relatively higher numbers of shockwaves), an imals receiving verapamil demonstrated limited or no crystal formation. No significant crystal deposition could be noted in specimens from animals und ergoing either EG or SWL alone, and sham-treated animals demonstrated no si gnificant alteration, as expected. Conclusion: Using this model, the traumatic effects of HESW could be evalua ted as a factor in new stone formation after SWL, Verapamil has been found to be protective against crystal deposition.