The effect of Nitroprusside on the renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is implicated as an important mediator of, or intermediary in, inflammation, immunity and neurotransmission. In the kidney, No is involved in haemodynamic regulation, control of vascular tone and tubular function. Formation of oxygen-derived free radicals (OFR) have been documented in renal ischaemia- reperfusion before. In this study , we investigated the significance of No formation, by the addition of nitroprusside (0.2 mm) as an No donor, in the ischaemia- reperfused (IR) kidneys. Induction of Ir significantly reduced renal function compared to controls. In this study, nitroprusside showed beneficial effects on renal morphology although did not alter function over a short period of time.