ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of atorvastin on function of glomerular endothelia cells in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF). METHODS: Twenty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham operation group (control group), CRF group (model group), 8 mg · kg-1 · d-1 atorvastin treatment group (low-dosage group) and 16 mg · kg-1 · d-1 atorvastin treatment group (high-dosage group). The model of chronic renal failure was established by a two stage 5/6 nephrectomy procedure. The atorvastin treatment groups were given atorvastin by intragastric administration, and the other 2 groups were given sodium chloride. Serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine protein, total cholesterol (TCHO), triglycerides (TG), low density liporotein (LDL), AST, ALT and creatine kinase (CK) were measured after 8 weeks. The renal morphologic changes were e-valuated on periodic acid-schiff (PAS) stained sections. The CD34 and CD31 expressions in glomerulus were detected by immunohisto-chemistry method. The mRNA of ET1, eNOS and VEGF were detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The Scr, BUN and urine protein levels in atorvastin treatment groups were significantly lower than those in CRF model group (P < 0.05). Reanl pathological injuries were improved by atorvastin treatment in dose-dependent manner. There were no significant differences in TCHO, TG, LDL, AST, ALT and CK levels among the 4 groups. The expressions of CD34 and CD31 protein in glomerulus, and the expressions of eNOS and VEGF mRNA in renal tissue were higher in atorvastin treatment groups than those in CRF model group. The expression of ET-1 mRNA in renal tissue were lower in atorvastin treatment groups than those in CRF model group. CONCLUSION: It might be through promoting renovation of glomerulus capillary endothelium and improving function of glomerular endothelial cells that atorvastin ameliorates renal pathological injury and renal function in rats with chronic renal failure. Copyright 2012 by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.