Evaluation of l-arginine on kidney function and vascular reactivity following ischemic injury in rats: Protective effects and potential interactions

Abstract Background There is an interaction between many cell types involved in the pathophysiology of ischemic acute renal failure. Nitric oxide (NO) precursors, especially l -arginine, may have protective effects on tissue ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI); however, their molecular mechanisms are unclear. In the present study, the interaction between l -arginine, cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathogenesis of ischemic acute renal failure was investigated. Methods Ischemia/reperfusion injury model in rats was used and various biochemical parameters examined. The rat isolated aortic rings served as model for hypoxia/reoxygenation where endothelium dependent and independent relaxations were exerted. Results Pre-treatment of rats subjected to IRI with l -arginine (125 mg/kg) significantly reduced kidney MDA levels, elevated kidney SOD activity, GSH level and total NO levels at 24 and 48 h after reperfusion. Kidney COX-2 level was only different in the l -arginine-treated group 48 h after reperfusion compared to the IRI group. Pre-treatment with l -arginine (10 −2  M) alone or in combination with celecoxib significantly potentiated the acetylcholine (Ach)-induced relaxations in control and hypoxic rings. The effect of the combination was synergistic only in hypoxic rings. Addition of ascorbic acid to the celecoxib–arginine combination did not produce further potentiation. Sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxations in control and hypoxic rings were potentiated by l -arginine or celecoxib–arginine combination but not by ascorbic acid. Conclusions The protective effect of l -arginine may result from the interaction between NO and ROS and increased NO bioavailability. The protective effects of combined celecoxib and l -arginine against IRI could be attributed to their antioxidant activity which exceeded that of ascorbic acid.