N-acetylcysteine attenuates iodine contrast agent-induced nephropathy in 5/6-nephrectomized rats.
OBJECTIVE
In the present study we tested the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to minimize nephrotoxic effects of iodine contrast agents in intact rats as well as in 5/6-nephrectomized (5/6-Nx) rats.


METHODS
Rats were allocated to a group of intact rats (n = 42) and a group of 5/6-Nx rats (n = 42). After 1 month of recovery from surgery, 5/6-Nx rats and intact (sham-operated) animals received either 6 ml/kg body weight (b.w.) meglumine ioxithalamate (Telebrix 350) or 6 ml/kg b.w. iohexol (Omnipaque 350) intravenously with or without pretreatment with 100 mg/kg b.w. NAC. Plasma and urinary concentrations of creatinine, sodium and protein in 24-hour urine collections were determined prior to and on days 1, 3 and 7 after drug administration.


RESULTS
In intact animals, contrast agents caused no significant changes in kidney function throughout the duration of the experiment. In contrast, significant increases in plasma creatinine levels and decreases in creatinine clearance were induced by both contrast agents in 5/6-Nx rats. These changes were significantly attenuated by NAC pretreatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the present study demonstrate that iodine contrast agent-induced nephropathy in 5/6-Nx rats is significantly attenuated by intravenous pretreatment with NAC.
Sochman
Jan
J
Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic.
Peregrin
Jan H
JH
Bürgelová
Marcela
M
Kopkan
Libor
L
Kramer
Herbert J
HJ
Cervenka
Ludek
L
D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007455:Iodine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007472:Iohexol / Q000009:adverse effects; D007482:Iothalamate Meglumine / Q000009:adverse effects; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009392:Nephrectomy; D011292:Premedication / Q000379:methods; D051381:Rats
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol; C001694:meglumine ioxithalamate; D007455:Iodine; D000111:Acetylcysteine; D007482:Iothalamate Meglumine