chondroitin and Nephritis

Using the modified model of Masugi's nephritis in rats, the antinephritic effects of sodium chondroitin sulfate (CS) and other drugs were evaluated by determining the biochemical parameters in urine, serum and renal cortex as well as light microscopic observation in kidneys by preventive and curative tests. In the preventive test where drug treatment was initiated at the same time as the injection of anti-kidney serum, CS (200 mg/kg p.o.) was effective in reducing serum triglyceride level, but was ineffective against other parameters. In the curative test where drug treatment was given from the 10th day after the induction of nephritis, CS (200 mg/kg p.o.) resulted in reductions of urinary excretions of protein and enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, the inhibition of urinary fibrinolytic activity and reduction in levels of serum cholesterol and triglyceride. Moreover, histological examination indicated a significant reduction of the index of glomerular lesions by the treatment of this drug. Of other drugs, dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg p.o.) was effective in both tests, while warfarin potassium (0.05 or 0.1 mg/kg p.o.) exerted a beneficial effect only in the preventive test. From these results, the effectiveness of CS in the curative test is probably due to promotion of healing of damaged tissue in the kidneys.

Topics: Adrenochrome; Animals; Chondroitin; Chondroitin Sulfates; Dexamethasone; Dipyridamole; Indomethacin; Kidney; Nephritis; Rabbits; Rats; Warfarin