Purpose: Chronic renal damage due to tubulointerstitial fibrosis is one of several complications of posterior urethral valves in a significant number of children. As activation of the renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in this injury, we conducted this study to investigate whether administration of captopril reduced renal fibrosis in an experimental model using partial urethral obstruction (PUO) in neonatal dogs. Material and Methods: Experimental PUO was induced in all pups. These animals were then divided into two groups: in the first group (experimental), captopril 35 mg/kg/day, dissolved in drinking water, was administered for 6 weeks. The second group (positive control) did not receive any treatment. After 6 weeks all dogs underwent left nephrectomy. Volume fraction and absolute volume of the histological kidney parameters, i.e., normal glomerulus, normal tubule, vessels, degenerated glomerulus, degenerated tubule, fibrous tissue, were estimated using modern unbiased stereological methods. Results: The absolute volume of interstitial fibrosis was lower in the experimental group (PUO with captopril treatment) (∼73%; p < 0.008) in comparison with positive control animals (PUO with no treatment). The mean absolute volume of normal tubules in the experimental group was more than the positive control group (∼33%, p < 0.008). The mean absolute volume of normal and degenerated glomerulus, vessels and degenerated tubule did not show a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Administration of captopril decreases interstitial renal fibrosis and preserves renal tubules in neonatal dogs with PUO.

Keywords:
Posterior urethral valve, Interstitial fibrosis, Partial urethral obstruction, Renin-angiotensin system, Captopril, Stereology
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel
2007
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.