Renoprotective and antioxidant renal effects of cilnidipine in DOCA Salt -Treated Albino Rats

Aim: Cilnidipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) that blocks both L-type and N- type channels at the smooth muscle in the artery and calcium channels at the presynaptic nerve terminal, respectively. It is dihydropyridine calcium antagonist that possesses a slo w-onset, long-lasting vasodilating effect. The present study is designed to determine the effect of cilnidipine on creatinine clearance, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, as an index of lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the level of superoxide dismutase enzyme in erythrocyte lysates and kidney catalase enzyme activitiy will be measured. Thirty-six albino rats are divided into 3 separate groups: rats of group 1 are control group, rats of group 2 are administered by deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt sc twice/week + 1% NaCl for 2 weeks to be rendered hypertensive) and group 3 will receive 9 mg/kg cilnidipine for 3 weeks intragastrically after induction of hypertension by DOCA-salt as group 2. Results: DOCA-injected albino rats show marked reduction in creatinine clearance. Treatment with cilnidipine improves creatinine clearance compared to the non-treated hypertensive group 2. Additionally, it reduces thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, as an index of lipid peroxidation, with a significant increase in superoxide dismutase enzyme in erythrocyte lysates and kidney catalase enzyme activities. Conclusion: This study points to the possible beneficial renal protective effects of cilnidipine in hypertensive albino rats injected with DOCA for 2 weeks.