Effects of morphine and pentobarbital on mouse and rat renal transport systems

Abstract

The effects of morphine and pentobarbital administered by pellet implantation have been examined for possible nephrotoxic effects in the rat and the mouse. In particular, the effects of these drugs on various renal transport mechanisms were examined. Morphine was found to disrupt renal transport, tissue electrolytes, but not tissue oxygen consumption 24 hr after pellet implantation in the mouse. By 72 hr, however, all parameters examined had returned to control levels despite the continued presence of morphine. The specificity of this effect was demonstrable through the use of naloxone. This antagonist reversed completely all of the morphine effects in the mouse. In the rats, morphine altered only p-aminohippurate (PAH) transport. Pentobarbital reduced PAH and tetraethylammonium (TEA) transport in the rat. Kidney slices from mice implanted with pentobarbital showed significant increases in the uptake of PAH and α-aminoisobutyrate (AIB). No disruption of tissue electrolytes or water was observed in either species with pentobarbital administration.