Mechanism of action and efficacy of litium chloride in thermal ischemia of the kidney

A protective effect of lithium chloride (LC) in thermal ischemia of the kidney of different duration was studied in rats. LC efficacy was estimated by functional activity of ischemic kidney in early and late reperfusion period, by damage to mitochondria of tubular epithelial cells and production of active oxygen forms (AOF) and nitric oxide (NO). LC has a marked anti-ischemic effect. In thermal renal ischemia for 40 and 60 min LC provides functional safety of the ischemic organ. In longer ischemia, 50% of the animals died. The mechanism of the protective action of LC is related to reduction of APK production, support of a high transmembrane potential of mitochondria and NO synthesis redistribution in the cells of tubular epithelium cells.