ABSTRACT
AIM:To study the effect of Hirudo on level of Endothelin-1(ET-1),kidney structure and function in diabetic nephyropathy(DN) rats. METHODS: STZ-induced DN rats were randomly divided into four groups: model group,Hirudo(17.5 g/kg,8.75 g/kg) treatment group,and captopril group,in addition,normal rats for control group.All rats were given by ig for 6 weeks.Kidney function and kidney index(kidney weight/body weight) were determined,the level of ET-1 was determined by Radioimmunoassay,the expression of ET-1 in the kidney tissue by immunohistochemicai,and kidney tissue was observed by lightmicroscope and transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: The level and expression of ET-1,kidney index in DN rats significantly increased.The level and expression of ET-1 markedly decreased in Hirudo treatment group,and kidney pathologic changes of DN rats in Hirudo treatment group were improved. CONCLUSION: Hirudo can ameliorate early kidney hyperdynamic abnormality in DN rats,possess protective effect on kidney of DN rats,whose mechanism may be associated partly with a down-regulation of levels and expression of ET-1.