Role of losartan on the renal cortex damage induced by cisplatin in adult male albino rats

Abstract

Introduction Cisplatin is a potent anticancer agent for the treatment of solid tumors, but its use is limited by its adverse effects. Aim This research aimed to evaluate the effect of losartan on cisplatin nephrotoxicity in adult male albino rats. Materials and methods Twenty-five male albino rats were divided into four groups. The first was the control group. Group II received a single injection of cisplatin. Group III received losartan for 6 days. Group IV received a single injection of cisplatin in addition to losartan ingestion for 6 days. Renal tissues were prepared for light and transmission electron microscopic examinations. Glomerular diameter and cell number were measured by means of an image analyzer. Also, glomerular capillary basement membrane (GBM) thickness, filtration slit width, and pedicel length were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results The renal cortical sections of group II rats showed loss of normal appearance of renal corpuscles with enlarged glomeruli and increased glomerular cellularity. Degenerative changes and necrosis of the lining cells of proximal convoluted tubule were noted. Intertubular hemorrhage and cellular infiltration were detected. Electron microscopic examination revealed fusion of the foot processes with significant increase in the thickness of GBM and filtration slit width. Damage of proximal convoluted tubule cells was seen more than damage of distal convoluted tubules. The renal cortical sections of group III rats showed vacuolated cytoplasm of some tubules lining cells. Electron microscopic examination revealed some ultrastructural changes in the distal convoluted tubule lining cells. Most of the renal corpuscles of rats treated with losartan and cisplatin appeared normal, with presence of some enlarged corpuscles as well as cytoplasmic vacuolation of the tubular cells. Electron microscopic examination revealed a significant decrease in GBM thickness and filtration slit width in comparison with cisplatin-received rats. Conclusion From this study, it was obvious that losartan ameliorates the histological changes induced by cisplatin given at a dose of 3 mg/kg in adult male rats.