Abstract
Effects of l -arginine (l -arg) and aminoguanidine (AG) on the nephrotoxicity induced by cyclosporine (CsA) were investigated. After injection of CsA (15 mg kg−1 day −1i.p. for 10 days), it induced nephrotoxicity, manifested biochemically by a significant elevation of serum urea and creatinine. In addition, a marked increase in lipid peroxides measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as a significant decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (EC.1.11.1.9) and reduced glutathione content (GSH) in kidney tissues homogenate were observed. Nephrotoxicity was further confirmed by histopathological investigation. Oral administration of l -arg (300 mg kg −1day−1 orally) for 5 days before and 10 days concomitant with CsA injection produced a significant protection against nephrotoxity induced by CsA. The amelioration of nephrotoxicity was evidenced by significant reductions in serum urea and creatinine concentrations. In addition, l -arg prevented the rise of MDA as well as reduction of GSH-Px activity and reduced GSH content in kidney tissue. The protective effects of l -arg against CsA-induced nephrotoxicity were further confirmed by histopathological examination. However, oral supplementation of AG (100 mg kg −1day−1 p.o.) did not protect the kidney from the damaging effects of CsA. These results suggest that l -arg can ameliorate kidney dysfunction induced by CsA via a mechanism(s) which involves the production of nitric oxide. In addition, l -arg may therefore be a beneficial remedy for CsA nephrotoxicity and can be used to improve the therapeutic index of CsA.