Role of Neutrophils and Macrophages in Experimental Nephrosis of the Rat

The single dose administration of the aminonucleoside of puromycin (PAN) induces a nephrotic syndrome in rats characterized by massive proteinuria and progressive histologic changes. This model of acute parenchymal nephritis is thought to be mediated by the renal recruitment of monocytes and macrophages. To investigate the role of leukocytes in the experimental nephrotic syndrome model, the effects of two methylxanthines, pentoxlline (45 mg/kg i.p. twice daily) and torbafylline (5 mg/kg i.p. twice daily) were compared with controls over a 2-week period. Pentoxifylline treatment was associated with 3- and 6-fold reductions in urinary protein excretion at 7 and 14 days, respectively, compared with PAN-treated control animals (p <. 01). Similarly, 14-day dosing of torbafylline resulted in a 3-fold decrease in urinary protein excretion. Glomerular filtration and electrolyte excretion rates were similar between all treatment groups. There were significant reductions in glomerular neutrophil and macro-phage cou...