Résumé
Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the protective role of L-arginine on body weight, and absolute and relative kidney weight of Streptozotocin [STZ]-treated albino rats
Methodology: This experimental study was conducted in the department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute [BMSI], Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre [JPMC], Karachi, from February to March, 2010. In this study, 30 male albino rats were divided into 3 groups, containing 10 animals each. Group-A was treated as control. Group-B animals received STZ in a dose of 37 mg/kg intraperitoneally [I/P] only once at the start of experiment. Group-C received L-arginine orally in a dose of 0.3 mg/100 gram [G]body weight/day a week before STZ treatment. Body weight of animals was calculated at start and end of the study period, along with absolute and relative kidney weight and serum glucose level
Results: There was a highly significant increase in serum glucose level in group B animals when compared to the control group A. In group C, the serum glucose levels returned near to control. The final body weight of group B animals decreased significantly when compared to their initial weight, as well as when compared to control. The data also showed that there was a significant decrease in absolute kidney weight whereas, significant increase in relative kidney weight in group B animals when compared to group A animals respectively. There was significant restoration of body weight, and absolute and relative kidney weight in group C animals receiving L-arginine along with STZ
Conclusion: Our findings conclude that L-arginine as a nitric oxide donor and as an antioxidant, plays a significant role in preserving renal morphology in streptozotocin-treated hyperglycemic rats