acyclovir and Polyuria

Acyclovir is an antiviral agent that causes termination of viral DNA synthesis by inhibiting viral reverse transcriptase. Acyclovir is used therapeutically to treat herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, and varicella-Zoster. Although acyclovir is thought to be low in toxicity, it has caused an obstructive nephropathy from accumulation of crystals in renal tissue. A retrospective review (January 1995 through March 2000) was conducted of acyclovir toxicoses in dogs reported to the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center. Of 105 ingestions, 10 were considered cases of acyclovir toxicosis. The most common signs seen were vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and lethargy. Ingested dosages ranged from 40 to 2195 mg/kg bw. Polyuria and polydipsia were reported in I dog. In 6/10 cases, signs developed within 3 h of ingestion. Treatment included standard decontamination procedures, (ie induction of emesis, administration of activated charcoal), diuresis, and supportive care.

Topics: Acyclovir; Animals; Anorexia; Antiviral Agents; Charcoal; Diarrhea; Diuresis; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Male; Polyuria; Retrospective Studies; Vomiting

Acyclovir (ACY) is a useful therapeutic agent for the systemic treatment of herpes virus infection. An increase in urinary phosphate excretion and polyuria has been described. The objective of this study was to analyze the exact mechanism of the urinary-concentrating dysfunction and the increase in phosphaturia associated with ACY.. We first analyzed 7 (adult and pediatric) non-AIDS cases of encephalitis receiving 15 mg/kg bw/d of intravenous ACY. Fractional phosphate and sodium excretion, urinary potassium volume, and plasma phosphate concentrations were analyzed. Additional studies in rats treated with intraperitoneal ACY (100 mg/kg bw) were also conducted. Animals were maintained in metabolic cages and 24-hour urine samples were collected to measure volume, osmolality, and sodium/potassium/phosphate excretion. Treated rats were also evaluated after 24 hours and 48 hours of water deprivation. Northern hybridization and semiquantitative immunoblotting were performed to evaluate (in both control and treated animals) expression of the cotransporters Na-Pi type IIa (Na-Pi-IIa) and Na-K-2Cl (NKCC2). Semiquantitative immunoblotting was carried out in the kidneys of ACY rats and control rats in order to analyze aquaporin 2 (AQP2) protein expression.. Patients started on ACY developed polyuria and hyperphosphatemia after 48 hours. In rats, ACY-induced hyperphosphaturia and hypophosphatemia were accompanied by increased excretion of sodium, potassium, and magnesium, increased urine output, lower urinary osmolality, and a partial urinary concentrating defect. Concurrent downregulation of Na-Pi-IIa and NKCC2 expression was observed. There was also a decrease in medullar expression of the AQP2 collecting duct water channel.. Downregulation of Na-Pi-IIa appears to play a crucial role in the downregulation of ACY-induced hyperphosphaturia. The accompanying polyuria and urinary-concentrating defect can in part be explained by the downregulation of NKCC2 and AQP2.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adult; Animals; Antiviral Agents; Aquaporin 2; Aquaporins; Calcium; Child; Down-Regulation; Gene Expression; Humans; Hypophosphatemia; Kidney Concentrating Ability; Kidney Tubules, Proximal; Magnesium; Male; Osmolar Concentration; Phosphates; Polyuria; Potassium; Rats; Rats, Wistar; RNA, Messenger; Sodium; Sodium-Potassium-Chloride Symporters; Solute Carrier Family 12, Member 1; Urine; Water

Topics: Acyclovir; Animals; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Body Weight; Glycosuria; Kidney Diseases; Male; Micropore Filters; Microvilli; Phosphates; Polyuria; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Time Factors

Topics: Acyclovir; Encephalitis; Humans; Polyuria