Tissue protective activities of
Iloprost, a stable analogue of PGI2, and of
UK 38485, an inhibitor of
thromboxane synthetase, were investigated in rats, in which
acute renal failure was elicited by the injection of
glycerol. The effects of these compounds on PGE2- and LTC4-like activities in the kidney tissue were also studied.
Glycerol injection caused acute kidney damage as evidenced by light microscopic examination and abundant
hematuria.
Glycerol injection also caused an increase in tissue PGE2- and LTC4-like activities. Although both metabolites were increased, the ratio of
PGE2/
LTC4 was found to be decreased when compared with the control value. Both
Iloprost and
UK 38485 partially prevented tissue damage due to
glycerol and caused an increase in the ratio of
PGE2/
LTC4. The preventive effects of the drugs were more pronounced when both drugs were used in combination. The participation of
arachidonic acid metabolites in the mechanism of the production of kidney damage due to
glycerol and possible preventive effects of the compounds are discussed.