Kidney Of Wistar Rats Research Articles

<b>Effect of administering a diet contamined with fumonisins on the kidneys of wistar rats

Fumonisins (FBs) are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium molds. Several works have shown contamination of maize by this toxin. Fumonisin B1 (FB-1) is found in greatest proportion (about 70%), resistant to several industrialization processes. In that context, the objective of this work was to analyze the effect of administering a diet contaminated with FB-1 on the morphophysiology of the kidneys of 21-day old male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into 2 groups: G0 (with animals receiving feed free of FBs) and G6 (6mg of FB1 kg-1 of feed). The diet was administered during 42 days. After that period, the animals were placed in metabolic cages for urine collection, blood was collected for analysis of plasma creatinine, and the kidneys were fixed and stained with Masson's trichrome. We observed that FB1 administration did not affect feed intake, body weight gain and animal growth. The normal levels of plasma creatinine suggest that the toxin did not lead to glomerular lesion. There was also no change in water intake, osmolarity and excretion of sodium in urine. However, there was a significant increase in urine volume and potassium excretion in urine, with mild tubulointerstitial changes in the outer cortex for the group receiving the mycotoxin.

Toxicological Evaluation of Oral Administration of <em>Phoenix dactylifera</em> L. Fruit Extract on the Histology of the Liver and Kidney of Wistar Rats

Various parts of Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) are used in traditional medicine to treat various disorders such as fever, abdominal troubles, etc., in different parts of the world. A preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous fruit extract of Phoenix dactylifera (AFPD) revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and carbohydrates. This study was designed to investigate the effects of oral administration of AFPD on the histology of the liver and kidney in Wistar rats. Thirty-nine Wistar rats were divided into two groups-control (three rats) and treatment (thirty-six rats). The animals in experimental group were further categorised for two phase study (eighteen rats divided into three groups; six rats/group for each phase). In the first phase, the three groups (A, B and C) were administered AFPD (10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg, oral, respectively). In the second phase, the three groups (D, E and F) were administered AFPD (1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/kg, oral, respectively). In both phases, after 24 h of AFPD administration, three rats of the six in each group were sacrificed and the other three sacrificed after 21 days. Histopathological examinations of liver and kidney sections of the experimental animals were compared with the control. No mortality or signs of toxicity was observed in the experimental animals upon administration of AFPD, even at doses as high as 5000 mg/kg, which was confirmed by mild pathological changes with remarkable recovery after 21 days. This result demonstrates that the LD 50 of AFPD is greater than 5000 mg/kg and is relatively safe.

Effects of ferulic acid on oxidative stress parameters in livers and kidneys of Wistar albino rats

Effects of ferulic acid on oxidative stress parameters in livers and kidneys of Wistar albino rats

Effects of Immunosuppressive Treatment On Protein Expression in Rat Kidney.

Proteins building renal tubular epithelial cells can be target for binding of immunosuppressive (IS) drugs toxic metabolites.They can modify the properties of proteins, thereby affecting the functions of renal tubule epithelial cells. It is a possible explanation of IS agents toxicity mechanism. In the study we evaluated the effect of two IS strategies used for six months on protein expression (PE) changes in in the kidneys of Wistar rats. Fragments of the rat kidneys were homogenized, after prior cooling in liquid nitrogen, and then dissolved in lysis buffer. The protein concentration in the samples was determined using Protein Assay kit. After performing 2-DE electrophoresis we separated 75 spots, which corresponded to PE differences between groups. The obtained gels were stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue and their images were analysed in order to evaluate the differences of PE.Figure: No Caption available.Then the identification of the selected proteins was performed using mass spectrometry. We found that the IS drugs induce a series of changes in PE in target organs. The expression of proteins involved in drug, glucose, amino acids and lipid metabolism were well pronounced, but, to a lesser extent, we also observed changes in nuclear, structural and transport proteins synthesis. The slightest differences were observed between the group receiving cyclosporine + mycophenolate mofetil + glucocorticoids (CMG) compared to control. In contrast, group of rats receiving tacrolimus +mycophenolate mofetil + glucocorticoids (TMG) as compared with the control had higher expression of protein responsible for renal drug metabolism, a lower level of PE of the cytoplasmic actin and the main urine protein (MUP). In the TMG group we observed a higher PE responsible for drug metabolism and a decrease in expression of respiratory chain enzymes, thioredoxin-2, and markers of renal tubular damage distal (H-FABP) compared to CMG group. The consequences of the reported changes in PE require further study.

The Effect of Immunosuppressive Therapy On Renal Cell Apoptosis in Native Rat Kidneys.

Aim: To analyse the impact of the most commonly used immunosuppressive drugs on the occurrence of apoptosis in the native kidneys of Wistar rats. Method: The study involved 36 rats, being grouped according to the immunosuppressive regimen used (tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine A, rapamycin and prednisone). The rats in all study groups were treated with a 3-drug protocol for 6 months. The medication dose was adjusted based on available literature data. Autopsies of all animals were performed and the kidneys were isolated for histopathology (HE + PAS). To assess cell apoptosis the TUNEL reaction was performed. Results: 1. In rats treated with cyclosporine A, distal nephron tubules were characterised by more pronounced apoptosis. 2. In tacrolimus-treated rats, a lower intensity of apoptosis was found in the distal tubules. 3. In rapamycin-treated rats the apoptosis was inhibited both in the distal and proximal nephron tubules. 4. In MMF treated rats, intense apoptosis was observed in the proximal nephron tubules. 5. There were no significant changes in renal histopathology (HE + PAS).Figure: No Caption available.Figure: No Caption available.Conclusions: The apoptosis in nephron tubules caused by immunosuppressive therapy is not accompanied by any histopathological changes (eg fibrosis, inflammation, tubular atrophy, vacuolation of the tubular cells) in light microscopy.

English

Aim: Ocimum gratissimum is used commonly in traditional medicine to treat certain diseases. This study accessed the histological and biochemical effects of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves on the kidney and liver of adult Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty four adult Wistar rats were assigned into four groups (A, B, C and D) of 6 rats each. Group A was used as control, and B, C, and D were the treatment groups. Each treatment group received 300, 400 and 500mg/kg respectively of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum orally for twenty one days. The animals were sacrificed on the 21st day by cervical dislocation. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. The liver and the kidney were collected, fixed in 10% formal saline and processed for light microscopy. Results: Rat weight showed no significant difference between control and treatment group. Biochemical analysis showed very mild decrease in serum ALP, ALT and AST levels when compared with the control. There was no significant difference in serum creatinine and urea levels when compared with the control. The histological study of the liver revealed peripotal inflammatory cell infiltrates and central vein vascular congestion. Histological study of the kidney showed mild to severe intestitial infiltration by inflammatory cells and increased vascular congestion. Conclusion: Ocimum gratissimum may be useful in culinary dishes and also in the treatment of certain ailments but systemic toxicity is also possible and this is dose dependent. Caution should therefore be exercised in the therapeutic use of the plant. Keywords: Ocimium gratissimum, Liver, Kidney, Histology, Biochemical

Effect of Antioxidants on Outcome of Testicular Torsion in Rats of Different Ages

We assessed reproductive and testicular function in adult rats after testicular torsion created before, during and after puberty, and with vs without resveratrol or arginine treatment. Age matched rats were divided into groups, including simulated surgery without testicular torsion, 720-degree testicular torsion for 4 hours, testicular torsion with resveratrol treatment and testicular torsion with arginine treatment. To study reproductive function at age 12 weeks each rat mated with 3 females. The males were sacrificed at age 14 weeks. Spermatozoids were collected from the epididymal tail and evaluated for concentration, motility and viability. Testicular samples were collected for morphological analysis. Reproductive function was not altered by testicular torsion but antioxidants improved potency. Compared to sham operated and contralateral samples all spermatozoid parameters from testicular torsion samples were inferior. Resveratrol and arginine did not improve spermatozoid quality or quantity in torsed testes but contralateral samples were improved by each drug. The seminiferous epithelium of rats submitted to testicular torsion during puberty was least affected. Each antioxidant partially to totally prevented the morphological alterations found in rats with untreated testicular torsion. Rats submitted to testicular torsion before puberty that were treated with antioxidants showed the fewest changes. Testicular morphology was altered less in rats when torsion occurred earlier in life, that is during puberty. Treatment with antioxidants improved contralateral spermatozoid production and some fertility parameters. Each antioxidant also prevented testicular morphology alterations after testicular torsion. Prepubertal rats benefited most from antioxidant treatment.

D-limonene suppresses doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress and inflammation via repression of COX-2, iNOS, and NFκB in kidneys of Wistar rats

D-limonene is a naturally occurring monoterpene and has been found to posses numerous therapeutic properties. In this study, we used D-limonene as a protective agent against the nephrotoxic effects of anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox). Rats were given D-limonene at doses of 5% and 10% mixed with diet for 20 consecutive days. Dox was give at the dose of 20 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. The protective effects of D-limonene on Dox-induced oxidative stress and inflammation were investigated by assaying oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxidation, serum toxicity markers, proinflammatory cytokines, and expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Nitrite levels. Administration of Dox (20 mg/kg body weight) in rats enhanced renal lipid peroxidation; depleted glutathione content and anti-oxidant enzymes; elevated levels of kidney toxicity markers viz. kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine; enhanced expression of NFκB, COX-2, and iNOS and nitric oxide. Treatment with D-limonene prevented oxidative stress by restoring the levels of antioxidant enzymes, further both doses of 5% and 10% showed significant decrease in inflammatory response. Both the doses of D-limonene significantly decreased the levels of kidney toxicity markers KIM-1, BUN, and creatinine. D-limonene also effectively decreased the Dox induced overexpression of NF-κB, COX-2, and iNOS and nitric oxide. Data from the present study indicate the protective role of D-limonene against Dox-induced renal damage.

Effect of Gouania longipetala (Hemsl.) methanolic leaf extract on the kidney and hematology of alloxan-induced hyperglycemic Wistar rats

The kidney is involved in glucose regulation. Disruption in blood parameters in hyperglycemia can lead to anemia due to the increased non-enzymatic glycosylation of red blood cell membrane proteins. The methanol leaf extract of Gouania longipetala was investigated for its effect on the kidney and hematological parameters of hyperglycemic Wistar rats induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (160 mg/kg). Treatment was done orally using 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg of G. longipetala extract (GLE) with glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) as standard reference drug for 21 days. At the end of the treatment, blood collected from the retro-orbital plexus of the rats’ eyes was used for evaluation of serum urea and creatinine and hematological determinations. Histopathological evaluation of the kidney was also done using standard procedures. GLE and glibenclamide caused a dose-dependent and significant (p 0.05) differences in the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration of the extract-treated groups and the negative control rats. Histopathology of the kidney revealed no variations in the kidney of both treated and control rats. In conclusion, the results suggest that G. longipetala may be of help in diabetes-induced anemia and nephropathy associated with diabetes mellitus.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of the rat nephron

This study gives a three-dimensional (3D) structural analysis of rat nephrons and their connections to collecting ducts. Approximately 4,500 2.5-μm-thick serial sections from the renal surface to the papillary tip were obtained from each of 3 kidneys of Wistar rats. Digital images were recorded and aligned into three image stacks and traced from image to image. Short-loop nephrons (SLNs), long-loop nephrons (LLNs), and collecting ducts (CDs) were reconstructed in 3D. We identified a well-defined boundary between the outer stripe and the inner stripe of the outer medulla corresponding to the transition of descending thick limbs to descending thin limbs and between the inner stripe and the inner medulla, i.e., the transition of ascending thin limbs into ascending thick limbs of LLNs. In all nephrons, a mosaic pattern of proximal tubule (PT) cells and descending thin limb (DTL) cells was observed at the transition between the PT and the DTL. The course of the LLNs revealed tortuous proximal "straight" tubules and winding of the DTLs within the outer half of the inner stripe. The localization of loop bends of SLNs in the inner stripe of the outer medulla and the bends of LLNs in the inner medulla reflected the localization of their glomeruli; i.e., the deeper the glomerulus, the deeper the bend. Each CD drained approximately three to six nephrons with a different pattern than previously established in mice. This information will provide a basis for evaluation of structural changes within nephrons as a result of physiological or pharmaceutical intervention.

Dose-dependent effect of deltamethrin in testis, liver, and Kidney of wistar rats

Objectives:Deltamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used worldwide in agriculture, household pest control, protection of foodstuff, and disease vector control. Although initially thought to be least toxic, a number of recent reports showed its toxic effects in mammalian and non-mammalian animal species. The current study was performed to assess the dose-dependent deltamethrin toxicity on testes, liver, and kidney of male Wistar rats.Materials and Methods:Twenty-four rats were divided in four groups of 6 each. Group A served as normal control. Group B, C, and D were administered with different doses (2 or 3 or 6 mg/kg corresponding to 1/30th or 1/20th or 1/10th of LD50, respectively) of deltamethrin for 28 days.Results:Deltamethrin exposure caused a significant reduction in weight of reproductive organs, decrease in sperm count, sperm motility, serum testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormones (FSH), and luteinizing hormones (LH) in testis. Glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were decreased in testis, liver and kidney of exposed rats. Deltamethrin exposure significantly increased sperm abnormalities in testis. Significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) level was observed in testis, liver and kidney. Deltamethrin also caused histological alterations in testes, liver, and kidney.Conclusions:The results indicated that deltamethrin at a dose of 6 mg/kg exerts significant harmful effects on testes, liver and kidney as compare to 2 mg and 3 mg/kg. The study concluded that the system toxicity induced by deltamethrin was dose dependent.

Attenuation of lead-induced oxidative stress in rat brain, liver, kidney and blood of male Wistar rats by Moringa oleifera seed powder.

Moringa oleifera is a tree belonging to Moringaceae family and its leaves and seeds are reported to have ameliorative effects against metal toxicity. In the present investigation, M. oleifera seed powder was tested against lead-induced oxidative stress and compared against meso-2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) treatment. Male Wistar rats (100-120 g) were divided into four groups: control (2000 ppm of sodium acetate for 2 weeks), exposed (2000 ppm of lead acetate for 2 weeks), Moringa treated (500 mg/kg for 7 days after lead exposure), and DMSA treated (90 mg/kg for 7 days after lead exposure). After exposure and treatment periods, rats were sacrificed and the brain was separated into cerebellum, hippocampus, frontal cortex, and brain stem; liver, kidney, and blood were also collected. The data indicated a significant (p<0.05) increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid perioxidation products (LPP), total protein carbonyl content (TPCC), and metal content of brain regions, liver, and kidney in the exposed group compared with their respective controls. In the blood, delta-amino levulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity, RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit showed significant (p<0.05) decrease on lead exposure. However, administration of M. oleifera restored all the parameters back to control, tissue-specifically, and also showed improvement in restoration better than DMSA treatment, indicating reduction of the negative effects of lead-induced oxidative stress.

Protective effect of quercetin on atrazine-induced oxidative stress in the liver, kidney, brain, and heart of adult wistar rats.

Background:The conflicting roles of quercetin against tissue pathologies associated with oxidative stress are known.Objective:To evaluate the effect of quercetin at doses of 5 mg/kg (Q5) or 10 mg/kg (Q10) against atrazine (120 mg/kg, ATZ)-induced oxidative stress in various tissues of rats.Materials and Methods:Adult male albino Wistar rats were administered ATZ, Q5, and Q10 alone or in combination for 16 days. At the end of the 16th day, the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation; and the blood, heart, brain, kidney and liver were collected and used for biochemical determinations and histopathological examination.Results:Q10 but not Q5 attenuated ATZ-induced increase in the levels of serum enzyme markers sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The heart was less susceptible to ATZ-induced oxidative stress than the liver, kidney, and brain of treated animals, and there were tendencies for synergistic effects in the heart and liver of Q5 + ATZ-treated rats. Oxidative stress-induced by ATZ in terms of increased lipid peroxidation level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was decreased in the brain of the Q5 + ATZ-treated rats but not that of the Q10 + ATZ-treated rats. Conversely, histopathological changes and oxidative stress-induced by ATZ in terms of elevated lipid peroxidation level, decreased SOD, and catalase (CAT) activities were prevented in the kidney and liver of the Q10 + ATZ-treated rats but not that of the Q5 + ATZ-treated rats.Conclusion:Quercetin at the investigated doses and especially the low dose may not protect against ATZ-induced oxidative stress in rat tissues in an overall sense.

To study the effect of monosodium glutamate on histomorphometry of cortex of kidney in adult albino rats

Thousands of chemicals are being used recently in our new high tech foods like ready to eat Japanese, Chinese, packaged and tinned foods. Most food additives act as either preservatives or flavor enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG), a sodium salt of glutamic acid. The present study investigated the effect of intraperitoneally administered MSG on cortex of the kidneys of adult albino Wistar rats and compared with control group. The histomorphometry done by calibrating with ocular micrometer on kidney tissue of control and experimental group revealed a significant difference in glomeruli with increase in length, size of bowman’s capsule with an increase in bowman’s space. The size of renal tubules could not be compared as the cells of these tubules in experimental group were disintegrated and distorted. In the experimental group (rats treated with 4 mg MSG/g body weight), the cortex of the kidneys developed variable pathological changes, which were patchy in distribution with intervening normal areas. There was distortion of renal cytoarchitecture. Many glomeruli (66.4%) showed hypercellularity, i.e., cellular proliferation of mesangial or endothelial cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The capillary membrane showed thickening as was evident on PAS stain. Since MSG, as a food additive, was found to be toxic on various organs of the body by various researchers, it should perhaps be stopped from being used as a food additive. This may be a suggestion which needs validation in human studies.

In vivo antioxidant potential of ascorbic acid against lead and/or cypermethrin-induced oxidative tissue damage

Cypermethrin (CPM) and lead (Pb) are common environmental pollutants found in ecosystems. In the present study, levels of oxidative stress generated were investigated in the liver, kidney and spleen of female Wistar rats after a 28-day exposure to CPM and Pb, alone or in combination, in presence or absence of ascorbic acid as a prophylactic antioxidant treatment. The significant decline in protein content of liver was observed in CPM or Pb alone as well as co-exposed groups. Both CPM and Pb were found to be potent inducers of oxidative stress. Significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels were noted in all the tissues examined. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were significantly lowered in spleen while superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed marked fall in liver and spleen. Oxidative stress was reduced in the co-exposure group as compared to CPM or Pb alone treated groups. Ascorbic acid exhibited considerable restorative effects against Pb, CPM alone or in combination as revealed by significant return of values of LPO, CAT, SOD and GPx to control. The improved antioxidant status of liver, kidney and spleen by ascorbic acid may represent a promising tool for chemoprevention against heavy metal and/or pesticide toxicity in humans and animals. Further studies are required to unravel the molecular mechanistic underlying toxicological implications of metal pesticide binary mixture toxicity.

MORPHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF CHRONIC CONSUMPTION OF ZOBO DRINKS ON THE KIDNEY OF ADULT WISTAR RATS

The effects of chronic consumption of zobo drinks commonly used as red coloured soft drinks on the kidney of adult wistar rats were investigated. The rats of both sexes (n=20), with an average weight of 200g were randomly assigned into test (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The rats in the test group was given zobo drinks liberally on a daily basis for thirty days while the control group received water liberally for the same period and through the same route. The rats were fed with grower’s mash obtained from Edo Feeds and Flour Mill Limited, Ewu, Edo state, Nigeria. The rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation method on the thirty-first day of the experiment and the kidney was carefully dissected out, dried, weighed, and quickly fixed in 10% formal saline for further routine histological study. The findings indicated that there was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in weights (g) and increase in relative weights (%) of the test kidneys (right and left) as compared to the control group. The microanatomy (H & E) indicated that the kidney in the test group showed some level of distortion and disruption of the cytoarchitecture of the renal cortical structure, diffuse glomerulonephritis with some congestion of blood and an enlarged Bowman’s space as compared to the control group. Chronic consumption of zobo drinks may therefore have an adverse effect on the kidney of adult wistar rats. It is recommended that further studies aimed at corroborating these observations be carried out.

Differential influences of various arsenic compounds on antioxidant defense system in liver and kidney of rats

In this study, oxidative stress-related parameters and As retention were examined in liver and kidneys of male Wistar rats exposed to arsenic trioxide, sodium arsenite (iAsIII), sodium arsenate (iAsV), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAsV) at a single ip dose of 3.8mgAs/kgbw, at 24h post-exposure. In liver, lipid peroxidation increased in iAsIII-exposed rats, glutathione peroxidase activity decreased in inorganic arsenic (iAs)-exposed rats, and catalase and thioredoxin reductase activities decreased significantly in all As-exposed groups. Both As(III) and As(V) exposure elevated GSH level with no effect on glutathione reductase activity. In kidneys, catalase activity decreased significantly in iAs-exposed, rats; GSH level, glutathione reductase and thioredoxin reductase activity decreased in DMAsV-treated, rats. The tissue As retention was higher in kidneys compared to liver and was also higher in As(III)-exposed compared to As(V)-exposed rats. The results demonstrate similar potency of inorganic As(III) and As(V) compounds to inhibit/induce antioxidant defense system, with liver being more vulnerable to acute As(III)- and As(V)-induced oxidative stress.

Histopathological studies on the effect of bacteriocin producing Bacillus cereus isolate from ‘wara’ a local soft cheese on the liver, kidney and reproductive organs of Wistar albino rats

10 4 CFU of B. cereus showed diffuse hydropic degeneration and portal congestion of the liver while at 10 4 CFU the kidney showed diffuse, moderate interstitial cellular infiltration. This is more evident in the wistar rats administered with bacilli organism than the groups that received the bacteriocin. The reproductive organs of treated animals showed no pathological lesions. There were no visible tissue pathological changes in the untreated groups. There were no visible tissue pathological changes in the untreated groups. Conclusion, significance and impact study: The absence of observable toxic effects of the bacteriocin of B. cereus on the sex organs, is not sufficient to determine the safety of this bacteriocin since pathological lesions were observed in the liver and kidney. We hereby suggest a further study on characterization and purification of this bacteriocin as a biopreservative in items not meant for human use or consumption.

Antigenotoxic effects of ferulic acid on sepsis-induced DNA damage in the liver and kidney of Wistar albino rats

Antigenotoxic effects of ferulic acid on sepsis-induced DNA damage in the liver and kidney of Wistar albino rats

Oxidative stress in the kidney of reproductive female rats during aging

Reproduction is a costly life process, and the reproductive investment by females appears to be greater than males in many species. We have analyzed the effects of reproductive investment during aging with respect to oxidative stress parameters in female Wistar rats. We measured the activity glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, consumption of hydrogen peroxide, protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, nitrite and nitrate levels, and Vitamin C (Vit. C) and E levels. We traced oxidative profiles at ages 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Animals were grouped according to reproductive experience: experienced or naive with respect to reproductive activity. We measured aconitase activity and sex hormone levels. The naive animals exhibited an increase with respect to experienced in most parameters studied at 6 and 24 months, whereas experienced animals exhibited a similar increase at 3 and 12 months. At 6 months of age, during the period that would represent peak reproductive activity, naive animals showed higher levels of MDA, Vit. C, consumption of hydrogen peroxide and GPx, aconitase, and SOD activities. In naive elderly rats, we observed an increase in oxidative damage markers and an increase in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, with the exception of consumption of hydrogen peroxide and Vit. C. In the long term, the reproductive investment was not sufficient to interfere with antioxidant capacity, and did not contribute to oxidative damage in kidneys of female Wistar rats.