K001: Advantage of angiotensin-ii receptor antagonists over calcium channel blockers in experimental chronic renal failure-prevention of mesangial hypertrophy in glomeruli

Abstract

Calcium channel blockers and ACE Receptor Inhibitors in experimental chronic renal failure were compared. Male WKY rats underwent 5/6ths nephrectomy (Nx). After 1 month, they were treated with either Verapamil (375 mg/500 ml drinking water) or Losartan (L) (90 mg/500 ml drinking water) for 2 months. The following parameters were measured 1 month after Nx (Pre-Rx) and 2 months after treatment (Post-Rx). N = 7 in each group. (See Table)

Pre-Rx		Post-Rx	p
Systolic BP ± SEM
Untreated	144 ± 6.9	—
Losartan	147.14 ± 10.8	112 ± 4.97}
Verapamil	155 ± 5.8	118 ± 4.9}	p = NS
24 Hr UrProt ± SEM
Losartan	12.26 ± 2.33	18.48 ± 2.19
Verapamil	7.27 ± 2.73	32.27 ± 10.3	p = 0.0484
Total Antioxidants (mmol/L)
Untreated		2.87 ± 0.61*
Losartan		4.405 ± 0.96
Verapamil		4.44 ± 0.64
Delta % 24 Hr Ccr ± SEM (Between Pre & Post Rx)
Losartan		48.34 ± 21.3	p = 0.0387
Verapamil		4.74 ± 7.02	p = NS

Histology:

There was no mesangial hypertrophy in glomeruli of the L group despite its presence in all rats in Verapamil group. The L group had a smaller % of glomeruli involved in sclerosis, and significantly less arteriolar wall thickening in the L group.

Conclusions:

Therapy with Ag-II Receptor Antagonist L for 8 weeks totally prevented mesangial hypertrophy in glomeruli and greatly reduced glomerular sclerosis.

Glomerular sclerosis, Angiotensin II receptor antagonist, losartan, verapamil, mesangium