The effect of L-arginine methyl ester on indices of free radical involvement in a rat model of experimental nephrocalcinosis.

The aim of this study was to test the effect of L: -arginine methyl ester (L-Arg) on indices of free radical involvement in a rat model of experimental nephrocalcinosis. Twenty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups of seven. The first group (G1), the sham-control group received pure distilled drinking water. The second group (G2) received drinking water containing 0.7% ethylene glycol (EG) in distilled water for 3 weeks. The third group (G3) received drinking water containing 0.7% EG in distilled water for 3 weeks and L-Arg was administered for 3 weeks. The fourth group (G4) received drinking water containing 0.7% EG in distilled water for 3 weeks and L-NAME was administered for 3 weeks. Urine and aortic blood was collected to determine some parameters. The kidneys were also removed for histological examination. The increase in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, K(+), Mg(2+ )and uric acid were mild in group 3 compared with the groups 2 and 4. The urinary concentrations of Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+) and uric acid were noticed to be similar among the groups. However, Ca(2+ )and oxalate excretion were significantly higher in groups 2, 3 and 4 than in group 1. The mean values of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px values were significantly increased in group 3 when compared to groups 2 and 4. Presence of aggregated urinary crystals was clearer in experimental groups compared to group 1. The tubular dilatation, epithelial degeneration and lymphocytic infiltration were significantly found in groups 2 and 4. Mild tissue damage was observed in L-Arg-pretreated rats. Under polarized light microscope intense crystals in the cortex and medulla were observed in the kidney of group 2 and 4 and moderate crystals were noticed in group 3. In conclusion, L-Arg supplementation may decrease free radicals and tubulary membrane injury in nephrocalcinosis due to infiltrating leukocytes and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities in rats fed with EG diet.