ABSTRACT
To evaluate the effect of pharmacologic vasodilators on glycerol induced acute renal failure, we studied untreated animals and those given Diltiazem and Captopril at a period of 24 hours 3 days and seven days after the onset of acute renal failure. At each time comparative assessment of renal histology were performed. Diltiazem a calcium channel blocker significantly reduced the extent of tubular cell necrosis and was associated with a more rapid histologic recovery. Captopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, did not influence renal pathology throughout the observation period. Diltiazem was benificial and offered significant protection against glycerol-induced acute renal failure in rats; it may have a protective effect at least in early stages of acute renal failure in humans