Role of antioxidant defence in renal pathophysiology: primacy of glutathione peroxidase.

ABSTRACT

Antioxidant defences consisting of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and non-protein thiol (GSH) were estimated in the surviving kidney of unilaterally nephrectomized rats on days 1, 2, 3 and 12, following surgery. Simultaneously renal tissue lipid peroxidation (LP) and plasma GPx was monitored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of antioxidant defence in renal pathophysiology. Significant elevations in renal LP, GPx and GSH were evident on the first day and were maintained till 3rd day following nephrectomy. The response of SOD and catalase was slower, attaining significant elevation on 2nd and 3rd day respectively. Tissue GPx was the only parameter which remained elevated till 12th day, while all the other parameters returned to control levels by day 12. Plasma GPx declined significantly on days 3 (13.2%) and 12 (19.6%). These changes appear to be a part of the process when functions of 2 kidneys are taken over by a single kidney following unilateral nephrectomy.