• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.37-48
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• 1991

The characteristics of probenecid effect on renal urate excretion in the cat were studied by clearance method and compared with those in the rabbit. In the cat GFR was $3.03{\pm}0.09\;ml/min{\cdot}kg$, and endogenous plasma urate concentration was $1.12{\pm}0.57\;{\mu}g/ml$, which is less than that in the rabbit $(3.33{\pm}0.46\;{\mu}g/ml)$. In the rabbit, $FE_{ur}$ was $1.76{\pm}0.08$ and net urate secretion was observed, while, in the cat $FE_{ur}$ was $0.70{\pm}0.02$ and net reabsorption was observed. In the cat $FE_{ur}$ was dependent on urine flow and independent of plasma urate concentration. In the rabbit $FE_{ur}$ was suppressed by infusion of probenecid $(30\;mg/kg\;-0.6\;mg/kg{\cdot}min)$ into femoral vein. In the cat the same dose of probenecid increased $FE_{ur}$ and concomitantly increased urine flow. Thus, an increase in $FE_{ur}$ by probenecid could be considered to be resulted from a change in urine flow. In the cat infusion of probenecid $(2.5\;mg/kg{\cdot}min)$ into renal artery markedly suppressed $FE_{P\;A\;H}$, but the effects on $FE_{ur}$ and urine flow were similar to those when probenecid was infused into femoral vein. These results indicate that in the cat kidney urate filtered through glomerulus is reabsorbed by a probenecid-insensitive mechanism with no evidence for net secretion.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.375-380
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• 2006

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a cyanobacterial hepatotoxin mainly produced by Microcystis aeruginosa. The current study examined the effects of a single intraperitoneal dose of MC-LR in rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with MC-LR ($100{\mu}g/kg$ body weight) and they were sacrificed at 0, 20, 40, 80, 160 min, or 12 h after injection. Clinically, animals showed lethargy and had ruffled hair beginning at 40 min post injection. In the gross findings, liver was enlarged and its color was changed into dark red beginning at 40 min post injection. Microscopically, dissociation of centrilobular hepatocytes and hemorrhage was observed in the hepatic central legions and such pathological changes were then extended to the portal regions of liver by time course manner. Interestingly at 80 min after MC-LR injection, the entrapped eosinophilic materials that may be necrotic fragments of dissociated hepatocytes were found in the capillaries of lung and renal glomerulus. Ultrastructurally, microvilli of the hepatocytes were disrupted or lost at all time points. Furthermore, the Disse space and gap junctions were widened beginning at 40 min post injection. These results suggest that liver is the major target organ of MC-LR and isolated hepatocytes by the effects of such hepatotoxin may secondarily reduce the physiological function of lung and kidney.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.466-474
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• 2013

Despite the reports on safety concerns regarding the relationship between aluminum salts and neurological and bone disease, many countries continue to use aluminum as phosphate binders among patients with renal failure. In search for a diet supplement that could reduce aluminum toxicity related to renal failure, we carried out this prospective animal study in which the fenugreek seeds were assessed for their effects on rats nephrotoxicity induced by aluminum chloride ($AlCl_3$). Oral $AlCl_3$ administration during 5 months (500 mg/kg bw i.g for one month then 1600 ppm via drinking water) led to plasma biochemical changes, an inhibition of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a decrease of total antioxidant status (TAS), and an induction of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the blood and brain, in addition to kidney atrophy and morphological alterations at the level of Bowman's capsule, the glomerulus and different sorts of tubules, reminiscent of some known kidney disease. The treatment with the whole fenugreek seed powder (FSP) (5% in the diet) during the last 2 months showed its effectiveness in restoring normal plasma values of urea, creatinine, ALP and glucose, as well as re-increasing the TAS, inhibiting LPO and alleviating histopathological changes in the injured kidneys. This study highlights the induced nephrotoxicicity, as well as the related toxicity in the brain and bone, by chronic oral ingestion of the aluminum salts. However, the maintenance of a diet supplemented with fenugreek seeds could offer protection for the kidney, bone and brain, at the same time.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.23-30
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• 2011

Objectives : This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba water extract on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. Methods : Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups ; normal, STZ-control and Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba (A) water extract-administrated group. Rats in which diabetic was induced by intraperitonal injection with STZ(60 mg/kg body weight). STZ-induced diabetic rats were orally administrated A extract daily for 5 weeks at doses of 200 or 500 mg/kg. Fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride and blood urea nitrogen were measured in sera of rats. Total volume of urine and urinary creatinine were also measured. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining for the expression of insulin and ${\alpha}$-SMA in pancreas and kidney were performed, respectively. Results : There were no differences in body and kidney weights between STZ-control and A extract-administrated groups. However, serum triglyceride level was significantly decreased in A extract-administrated groups compared with those of STZ-control group. Histopathological analysis of pancreas and kidney revealed increased the number of islets and insulin-positive beta-cells in pancreas, and decreased morphological changes of glomerulus and ${\alpha}$-SMA expression in kidney after the administration of A extract. Conclusions : These results suggest that Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba has a biological action on STZ-induced diabetes in rats via decreasing the serum levels of total triglyceride, and suppressing the morphological changes of pancreas and kidney.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.107-112
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• 2007

Gap junction protein, connexin, is expressed in endothelial cells of vessels, glomerulus, and renin secreting cells of the kidney. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of gap junction in renin secretion and its underlying mechanisms using As 4.1 cell line, a renin-expressing clonal cell line. Renin release was increased proportionately to incubation time. The specific gap junction inhibitor, 18-beta glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) increased renin release in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners. Heptanol and octanol, gap junction blockers, also increased renin release, which were less potent than GA. GA-stimulated renin release was attenuated by pretreatment of the cells with amiloride, nifedipine, ryanodine, and thapsigargin. GA dose-dependently increased intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration, which was attenuated by nifedipine, nimodipine, ryanodine, and thapsigargin. However, RP-cAMP, chelerythrine, tyrphostin A23, or phenylarsine oxide did not induced any significant change in GA-stimulated increase of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration. These results suggest that gap junction plays an important role on the regulation of renin release and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration in As 4.1 cells.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.41-53
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Akebiae Lignum herbal acupuncture(AL-HA) at $KI_{10}$ in acute nephritis induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) in rat. Methods : Rats were divided into 5 groups and 4 groups were injected LPS to induce acute nephritis. Normal group was normal SD rat, LPS group was injected LPS, AL-HA group was treated with AL-HA at $KI_{10}$ three times for a week, needle prick(NP) group with 26 gauge needle and saline group with normal saline. To evaluate the effects of AL-HA at $KI_{10}$ on acute nephritis in rats, WBC, neutrophil in blood, BUN, TNF-${\alpha}$, CINC-1 in serum and urinary volume, total protein in urine, renal MPO were measured and renal tissue was analyzed. Results : AL-HA group significantly reduced WBC, neutrophil in blood, BUN in serum, total protein in urine and renal MPO. And AL-HA group reduced concentration of neutrophil on glomerulus than LPS group in histological analysis. Conclusions : AL-HA at $KI_{10}$ has a therapeutic effect on acute nephritis in LPS stimulated rat. Therefore, it is suggested that AL-HA at $KI_{10}$ may be an useful therapeutics for acute nephritis in clinical field after further researches.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.87-102
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• 1978

Electron microscopic studies were made to investigate changes in the fine structure of the liver, kidney and gills of Carassius carassius L. following exposure to 1 and 2.5 ppm of $HgCl_2$. The following results were obtained: 1. In the mercury-treated liver cells, an increase in the number of lysosomes were noticed. These lysosomes appeared to be of two types; round ones containing some crystalline structures and others with phagocytosed glycogen granules and mitochondria. Also observed were mitochondrial swelling where the matrix appeared less electrondense, and segregation of the nucleoli in the nucleus. 2. In the kidney, mercury treatment resulted in thickening of the basement membrane of the glomerulus, and appearance of vacuoles and cytoplasmic bodies in the proximal convoluted tubule. The vacuoles seemed to be formed from mitochondria. Nuclear shrinkage was also noticed at 2.5 ppm of $HgCl_2$. 3. Many large and small lysosomes appeared in response to mercury in the epithelial cells of the gill lamella. Also the lamellar membrane became fuzzy in appearance. 4. It can be concluded from these results that mercury-induced changes in the fine structure are associated with activation of detoxication processes and impairment of energy metabolism.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.61-73
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Phaseoli Semen Herbal-acupuncture(PS-HA) at $KI_{10}$ in acute nephritis induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) in rat. Methods : The rats were divided into 5 groups, which were control, LPS, PS-HA, NP and saline group. LPS, PS-HA, NP and saline groups were given LPS to induce acute nephritis and control group did not receive LPS. LPS group did not receive any treatment after the onset of acute nephritis. PS-HA, NP and saline group received PS-HA, normal acupuncture, and saline injection at $KI_{10}$ three times per week, respectively. To evaluate the effect of PS-HA at $KI_{10}$, the complete blood count, BUN, creatinine, TNF-${\alpha}$, and CINC-1 in serum were measured. To show its effect on renal function, creatinine, and total protein in urine was measured as well as urine output. The level of myeloperoxidase in renal tissue was quantified and complete histology was done in kidney samples obtained from the rats. Results : PS-HA group showed a significant reduction in the proportion of WBC and neutrophil, serum BUN, TNF-${\alpha}$, and CINC-1 compared to LPS group. Furthermore, a significant increase in urine output and a decrease in urinary creatinine level, MPO in renal tissue, and number of neutrophils at glomerulus was observed in PS-HA group compared to LPS group Conclusions : PS-HA at $KI_{10}$ was shown to have a significantly effect on treating LPS induced acute nephrits. Therefore, future study is needed to further evaluate the clinical usefulness of PS-HA at $KI_{10}$ in treating acute nephritis.

• Experimental and Molecular Medicine
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.9.1-9.10
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• 2019

Mesangial cell proliferation has been identified as a major factor contributing to glomerulosclerosis, which is a typical symptom of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) levels are increased in the glomerulus of the kidney in diabetic mice. LPA is a critical regulator that induces mesangial cell proliferation; however, its effect and molecular mechanisms remain unknown. The proportion of ${\alpha}-SMA^+/PCNA^+$ cells was increased in the kidney cortex of db/db mice compared with control mice. Treatment with LPA concomitantly increased the proliferation of mouse mesangial cells (SV40 MES13) and the expression of cyclin D1 and CDK4. On the other hand, the expression of $p27^{Kip1}$ was decreased. The expression of $Kr{\ddot{u}}ppel$-like factor 5 (KLF5) was upregulated in the kidney cortex of db/db mice and LPA-treated SV40 MES13 cells. RNAi-mediated silencing of KLF5 reversed these effects and inhibited the proliferation of LPA-treated cells. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were activated, and the expression of early growth response 1 (Egr1) was subsequently increased in LPA-treated SV40 MES13 cells and the kidney cortex of db/db mice. Moreover, LPA significantly increased the activity of the Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate (Rac1) GTPase in SV40 MES13 cells, and the dominant-negative form of Rac1 partially inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 and upregulation of Egr1 and KLF5 induced by LPA. LPA-induced hyperproliferation was attenuated by the inhibition of Rac1 activity. Based on these results, the Rac1/MAPK/KLF5 signaling pathway was one of the mechanisms by which LPA induced mesangial cell proliferation in DN models.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.259-263
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• 2020

Background: Dual-type calcium channel blockers (CCBs), such as efonidipine and cilnidipine, are renoprotective drugs that reportedly reduce proteinuria by dilating afferent and efferent arterioles of the glomerulus. However, studies comparing the effect of dual-type CCB on proteinuria have not been conducted. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effect of dual-type CCB (efonidipine and cilnidipine) usage patterns in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included 53 patients with CKD who 1) initiated efonidipine or cilnidipine treatment while on a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor and 2) had received efonidipine or cilnidipine for at least one year. We compared usage patterns between the efonidipine and cilnidipine groups during the one-year period and analyzed the following outcomes: urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio, blood pressure, and serum creatinine. Results: The study included 25 patients in the efonidipine group and 28 patients in the cilnidipine group. In both groups, blood pressure and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratios tended to decrease; however, the change during each interval was not significant. Conclusions: In patients with CKD who were on renin-angiotensin system inhibitor therapy, the addition of a dual-type CCB (i.e., efonidipine or cilnidipine) tended to reduce proteinuria; however, the change during each interval was not significant.