Urine Electrolyte Concentrations Research Articles

Hemodynamic and Biochemical Alterations in Dogs with Lymphoma after Induction of Chemotherapy

BackgroundDoxorubicin is a common antineoplastic agent with dose‐dependent cardiotoxic adverse effects, and pre‐existing myocardial dysfunction is a contraindication to its use.ObjectivesTo systematically define the hemodynamic and biochemical alterations in dogs undergoing chemotherapy for newly diagnosed lymphoma and assess the reversibility of these alterations with fluid administration.AnimalsTwenty‐one client‐owned dogs with newly diagnosed lymphoma were evaluated 1 week after induction of chemotherapy. Underlying degenerative valve disease was exclusionary. Eighteen healthy age‐ and weight‐matched dogs were used as controls.MethodsPhysical examination, blood pressure by Doppler, echocardiography, and biochemical evaluation (routine serum biochemistry, plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentrations, plasma and urine osmolalities, and urine electrolyte concentrations) were measured in dogs with lymphoma and compared to controls. Dogs with lymphoma received crystalloids IV at 6 mL/kg/h for 24 hours. All variables were reassessed at 4 and 24 hours. Deuterium oxide dilution and bromide dilution were used to determine total body water and extracellular water space, respectively.ResultsBaseline echocardiograms showed significantly smaller chamber dimensions in dogs with lymphoma compared to controls. These changes were reversed by fluid administration. Systolic blood pressure and urine sodium concentration were significantly increased, and bromide dilution space, PCV, urine specific gravity, and urine potassium concentration were significantly decreased compared to controls.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceEchocardiographic and biochemical abnormalities in dogs with lymphoma appear consistent with volume depletion, and may be the result of systemic hypertension and subsequent pressure natriuresis.

DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF DIFFERENT EXTRACTS OF BARK OF SYZYGIUM CUMINI (LINN.) SKEELS

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the diuretic activity of different extracts of bark of Syzygium cumini (Linn. ) Skeels in Wistar albino rats. Animals were se lected randomly and divided into five groups of six animals each. The test extracts w ere administered orally at a dose of 5 00 mg/kg body weight . F urosemide which was administered at a dose of 1 0 mg/kg body weight i.p. to the rats was used as standard d rug . The diuretic activity was evaluated by determination of urine volume and urinary electrolyte concentrations of sodium, potassium and chloride ions. The findings revealed that the methanol and aqueous extract of Syzygium cumini possesses diuretic activity. Both the extracts have shown an increase in total urine output and increased the excretion of the electrolyte concentrations of sodium and potassium ions significantly. The study concluded that Syzygium cumini

Acute Kidney Injury

Acute Kidney Injury

Acute Kidney Injury

1. David T. Selewski, MD* 2. Jordan M. Symons, MD† 1. *Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, Division of Nephrology, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. 2. †Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. * Abbreviations: ACE: : angiotensin-converting enzyme AKI: : acute kidney injury AKIN: : Acute Kidney Injury Network ANCA: : antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody ATN: : acute tubular necrosis ECG: : electrocardiogram FEurea: : fractional excretion of urea FENa: : fractional excretion of sodium KDIGO: : Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes NSAID: : nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug RIFLE: : Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End-stage The term acute kidney injury has replaced acute renal failure and represents a spectrum of clinically meaningful kidney damage. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Recognize and define the spectrum of acute kidney injury (AKI). 2. Understand the diagnostic approach and be able to differentiate the main causes of AKI. 3. Understand the complications of AKI and the treatment of a child with AKI. Acute kidney injury (AKI), formerly called acute renal failure, is characterized by multiple abnormalities, including increases in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, electrolyte abnormalities, acidosis, and difficulties with fluid management. We have come to realize that what was previously thought to be relatively minor damage to the kidney can have significant short-term effects on morbidity and mortality and potential long-term implications for the development of chronic kidney disease. Thus, the term acute kidney injury has replaced acute renal failure , suggesting the spectrum of kidney damage that can occur. ### Definition AKI is classically defined as an acute decrease in glomerular filtration rate, which results in an increase in serum creatinine. It is important to recognize the limitations of creatinine as a marker of AKI because an increase in creatinine can be delayed by as much as 48 hours after damage to the kidney has occurred. Despite this limitation, change in creatinine remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of AKI. An evolution in the definition of AKI to better understand, characterize, and study the disease spectrum, has occurred, which has sought to capture the clinical importance of even small variations in kidney function. In addition, previous definitions used in the literature were widely disparate; this …

An infant with hypercalcemia: Questions

A 6-month-old male infant born by normal vaginal delivery (birth weight 3.150 kg, length 49 cm) and affected by hypospadias underwent renal ultrasound scan (Fig. 1). Expert advice was required after an “uncertain renal US report”. The patient suffered decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, polyuria and polydipsia during the previous 2 months. At our appointment, we found hypotonia, irritability, failure to thrive, anterior fontanelle 1.5×1 cm, and moderate dehydration. His mother reported that the infant was taking no drugs except prophylaxis with vitamin D (400 IU/day). Serum chemistry was as follows: calcium 18.67 mg/dl (normal range, 8.4–10.2 mg/dl), urea 65 mg/dl (10–50 mg/ dl), creatinine 0.45 mg/dl, phosphorus 5.7 mg/dl, Ca×P 106 mg (normal value <55 mg), venous pH 7.38. Na, K, Cl, Mg, HCO3, ABE, glycemia, AST, ALT, γGT, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and complete blood count were within normal limits. Urinary electrolyte concentrations: calcium/ creatinine ratio 1.27 mg/mg, uric acid/creatinine 0.45 mg/dl of glomerulor filtration rate, beta2 microglobulin 0.4 mg/l (nv: <0.3 mg/l). ECG, cardiologic and oculistic examination, and blood pressure monitoring were normal. We started hyperhydration (NaCl 0.9 % 7 ml/kg/h) to reduce calcemia. After 12 h, the blood calcium was 15.2 mg/ dl. Therefore we added furosemide (1 mg/kg intravenously twice a day) and methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg once a day). After 4 days of therapy, the blood calcium was 13.8 mg/dl and urinary calcium/creatinine ratio was 2.61 mg/mg. The clinical conditions of the patient improved after 4 days (no vomiting, increased appetite). The serum level of calcium did not decrease after 6 days of therapy with furosemide and methylprednisolone, remaining at 13.8 mg/dl.

The impact of dietary magnesium restriction on magnesiotropic and calciotropic genes

Magnesium (Mg(2+)) is an essential electrolyte with important physiological functions. Consequently, hypomagnesaemia, an electrolyte disorder frequently diagnosed in critically ill patients, can have life-threatening consequences. The kidney plays a central role in the regulation of the Mg(2+) balance. The present study investigated the molecular consequences of dietary Mg(2+) restriction on renal Mg(2+) transporters. Two groups of 10 mice were fed a Mg(2+)-deficient diet or a Mg(2+)-enriched diet for 2 weeks. Serum and urine electrolyte concentrations were assayed. Next, renal mRNA expression levels of Mg(2+)-related genes were measured to determine their sensitivity to the dietary Mg(2+) content. Subsequently, parvalbumin (PV) and the thiazide-sensitive Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter (NCC), both co-expressed in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) with TRPM6, were further analysed at the protein level using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Serum and urine electrolyte measurements revealed that dietary Mg(2+) restriction resulted in significant reduction of serum Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) levels, and that the urinary excretion of these ions was also markedly reduced, while phosphate (Pi) excretion was significantly increased. In addition, the serum FGF23 level was markedly increased, whereas Pi was not significantly changed in the Mg(2+)-restricted mouse group. The renal abundance of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 homeobox B (HNF1B) and the epithelial Mg(2+) channel TRPM6 were increased in response to dietary Mg(2+) restriction, whereas other magnesiotropic transporters were not affected. PV abundance was upregulated, while NCC was significantly downregulated. Furthermore, the expression levels of the epithelial Ca(2+) channel TRPV5 and calbindin-D28K were markedly reduced in the low Mg(2+) group. Our data indicate an essential adaptive role for DCT during hypomagnesaemia since TRPM6, HNF1B, PV and NCC expression levels were adjusted. Moreover, hypomagnesaemia resulted in severe changes in Ca(2+) and Pi reabsorption and expression levels of calciotropic proteins.

Mice With a Targeted Disruption ofSlc4a11Model the Progressive Corneal Changes of Congenital Hereditary Endothelial Dystrophy

To establish an animal model of congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED) using Slc4a11 knockout (KO) mice and evaluate the abnormalities in the cornea and kidney. The Slc4a11 KO mouse model was generated by gene deletion. Corneal abnormalities were evaluated using slit-lamp photography, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, corneal endothelial cell staining, and electron microscopy. The temporal corneal changes were also monitored. Histological and functional changes of the kidney were also evaluated. Successful knockout of the Slc4a11 gene was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Slit-lamp photography and AS-OCT showed progressive corneal edema. Increased corneal endothelial cell size with decreased corneal endothelial cell density was observed with increased age. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed progressive cell swelling and distortion of the hexagonal cell morphology with time. Transmission electron microscopy showed characteristic ultrastructural findings of CHED, including endothelial vacuolization, thickening of the Descemet membrane, disorganization of collagen fibril, deposition of amorphous material, and progression of these changes with age. Decreased urine osmolarity and electrolyte concentrations suggesting abnormality in water resorption were also detected. Our Slc4a11 KO mouse model successfully represents clinical manifestations of human CHED. We were able to show chronological corneal progression for the first time in a knockout mouse model as well as renal abnormalities.

POTENTIAL DIURETIC EFFECT OF CURCUMA AMADA ROXB. RHIZOME EXTRACTS

The present study was undertaken to establish the diuretic activity of alcoholic and aqueous extract of dried rhizomes of Curcuma amada Roxb in rats. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of rhizomes were administered to experimental male Wistar rats orally at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg and compared with furosemide (10 mg/kg) as the reference standard. The parameters measured for diuretic activity were total urine volume, urine electrolyte concentration such as sodium, potassium and chloride have been evaluated. The rats treated with alcoholic and aqueous extract of Curcuma amada in a dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg showed higher urine output when compared to the respective control. Both alcoholic and aqueous extracts have showed a significant dose-dependent increase in the excretion of electrolytes when compared to the control group. The result indicates that alcoholic and aqueous extract is an effective natriuretic and kaliuretic diuretic, which supports the traditional claim about the Curcuma amada Roxb being used as diuretics.

EVALUATION OF DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF MILK EXTRACT OF SEMECARPUS ANACARDIUM NUT

Semi carpus anacardium ‘Marketing Nut’ is a tropical flowering plant widely distributed in India. Semicarpus anacardium are widely used for its therapeutic potential as immunomodulatory and in folklore the plant material is reported in the treatment of diureti c. Since, the diuretic activity of these plant materials has not been investigated in scientifically controlled studies; the aim of the present study was to evaluate the diuretic potenti al of milk extracts of Semicarpus anacardium seed in normal rats after acute and sub - chronic oral administration. Milk extracts of Semicarpus anacardium seed (150 and 300 mg/kg) along with the reference drug, furosemide (10 mg/kg) were administrated orally to male Wistar rats for 8 subsequent days and their urine output was quantitated at several intervals of time after the dose. Several other parameters such as urinary electrolyte concentration, plasma electrolyte conc entration and creatinine clearance were also measured by flame spectrophotometry and Jaffe alkaline picrate method. After administration of single dose of the milk extracts of Semicarpus anacardium seed, urine output significantly showed equivalent increment at all time points, and at 24 h after the dose, the total volume of urine excreted was highest in furosem ide followed by plant extracts and control group. Both extracts increased the urinary levels of Na + and K + , to about the same extent, while furosemide increased urinary levels of only Na + and decreased urinary K + . Despite changes in urinary excretion of t he electrolytes, plasma Na + and K + levels were not affected by any of the substances. The present study supports the ethnomedical use of Semicarpus anacardium seed for their diuretic effect

Increased expression of renal TRPM6 compensates for Mg(2+) wasting during furosemide treatment.

BackgroundFurosemide is a loop diuretic, which blocks the Na+, K+, 2Cl− cotransporter (NKCC2) in the thick ascending limb of Henle (TAL). By diminishing sodium (Na+) reabsorption, loop diuretics reduce the lumen-positive transepithelial voltage and consequently diminish paracellular transport of magnesium (Mg2+) and calcium (Ca2+) in TAL. Indeed, furosemide promotes urinary Mg2+ excretion; however, it is unclear whether this leads, especially during prolonged treatment, to hypomagnesaemia. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to determine the effect of chronic furosemide application on renal Mg2+ handling in mice.MethodsTwo groups of 10 mice received an osmotic minipump subcutaneously for 7 days with vehicle or 30 mg/kg/day furosemide. Serum and urine electrolyte concentrations were determined. Next, renal mRNA levels of the epithelial Mg2+ channel (TRPM6), the Na+, Cl− cotransporter (NCC), the epithelial Ca2+ channel (TRPV5), the cytosolic Ca2+-binding protein calbindin-D28K, as well parvalbumin (PV), claudin-7 (CLDN7) and claudin-8 (CLDN8), the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) and the Na+–H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Renal protein levels of NCC, TRPV5, calbindin-D28K and ENaC were also measured using semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting.ResultsThe mice chronically treated with 30 mg/kg/day furosemide displayed a significant polyuria (2.1 ± 0.3 and 1.3 ± 0.2 mL/24 h, furosemide versus control respectively, P < 0.05). Furosemide treatment resulted in increased serum concentrations of Na+ [158 ± 3 (treated) and 147 ± 1 mmol/L (control), P < 0.01], whereas serum K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ values were not significantly altered in mice treated with furosemide. Urinary excretion of Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ was not affected by chronic furosemide treatment. The present study shows specific renal upregulation of TRPM6, NCC, TRPV5 and calbindin-D28K.ConclusionsDuring chronic furosemide treatment, enhanced active reabsorption of Mg2+ via the epithelial channel TRPM6 in DCT compensates for the reduced reabsorption of Mg2+ in TAL.

Cisplatin-induced injury of the renal distal convoluted tubule is associated with hypomagnesaemia in mice

Cisplatin is an effective anti-neoplastic drug, but its clinical use is limited due to dose-dependent nephrotoxicity. The majority of cisplatin-treated patients develop hypomagnesaemia, often associated with a reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), polyuria and other electrolyte disturbances. The aim of this study is to unravel the molecular mechanism responsible for these particular electrolyte disturbances. Two groups of 10 mice were injected intraperitoneally three times, once every 4 days, with cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight,) or vehicle. Serum and urine electrolyte concentrations were determined. Next, renal mRNA levels of distal convoluted tubule (DCT) genes epithelial Mg(2+) channel TRPM6, the Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter (NCC), and parvalbumin (PV), as well as marker genes for other tubular segments were measured by real-time qPCR. Subsequently, renal protein levels of NCC, PV, aquaporin 1 and aquaporin 2 were determined using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The cisplatin-treated mice developed significant polyuria (2.5 ± 0.3 and 0.9 ± 0.1 mL/24 h, cisplatin versus control, P < 0.05), reduced creatinine clearance rate (CCr) (0.18 ± 0.02 and 0.26 ± 0.02 mL/min, cisplatin versus control, P < 0.05) and a substantially reduced serum level of Mg(2+) (1.23 ± 0.03 and 1.58 ± 0.03 mmol/L, cisplatin versus control, P < 0.05), whereas serum Ca(2+), Na(+) and K(+) values were not altered. Measurements of 24 h urinary excretion demonstrated markedly increased Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Na(+) and K(+) levels in the cisplatin-treated group, whereas Pi levels were not changed. The mRNA levels of TRPM6, NCC and PV were significantly reduced in the cisplatin group. The expression levels of the marker genes for other tubular segments were unaltered, except for claudin-16, which was significantly up-regulated by the cisplatin treatment. The observed DCT-specific down-regulation was confirmed at the protein level. The present study identified the DCT as an important cisplatin-affected renal segment, explaining the high prevalence of hypomagnesaemia following treatment.

Exploration of Diuretic Potential and Electrolyte Excretion of Tephrosia purpurea (Fabaceae) in Rats

ABSTRACTTephrosia purpurea (Fabaceae) is a well-known traditional plant with diuretic effect but no scientific work published till date to support the claimed ethnomedical use. Therefore, the present study appraised the diuretic potential of methanol extract of Tephrosia purpurea (METP) in male wistar rats. The powdered plant material was extracted with methanol by hot extraction. The animals were divided into five groups for diuretic activity. The first group served as saline control (0.9%% saline solution, 25 ml/kg, body weight (b.w)), the second group received osmotic diuretic, urea (1 g/kg b.w), the third group received high-ceiling diuretic, furosemide (5 mg/kg b.w), and the other two groups were administered various concentrations of METP (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg b.w) orally to hydrated rats and their urine volume was measured at 5th and 24th hr after drug administration, while animals were deprived of food and water. After collection of urine, the parameters such as urine output, diuretic activity, electrolyte excretion of Na++, K++, Ca2++, and Cl−, and pH were analyzed. METP at various dose levels exhibited significant diuretic activity as evidenced by increased urine volume, electrolyte concentration, and alkaline pH in comparison to control group of animals. The present study provides a quantitative basis for explaining the folkloric use of Tephrosia purpurea as a diuretic agent in Indian traditional system of medicine.

Energy and water use by invasive goats ( Capra hircus) in an Australian rangeland, and a caution against using broad-scale allometry to predict species-specific requirements

Feral goats ( Capra hircus) are ubiquitous across much of Australia's arid and semi-arid rangelands, where they compete with domestic stock, contribute to grazing pressure on fragile ecosystems, and have been implicated in the decline of several native marsupial herbivores. Understanding the success of feral goats in Australia may provide insights into management strategies for this and other invasive herbivores. It has been suggested that frugal use of energy and water contributes to the success of feral goats in Australia, but data on the energy and water use of free-ranging animals are lacking. We measured the field metabolic rate and water turnover rate of pregnant and non-pregnant feral goats in an Australian rangeland during late summer (dry season). Field metabolic rate of pregnant goats (601 ± 37 kJ kg − 0.73 d − 1 ) was 1.3 times that of non-pregnant goats (456 ± 24 kJ kg − 0.73 d − 1 ). The water turnover rate of pregnant goats (228 ± 18 mL kg − 0.79 d − 1 ) was also 1.3 times that of non-pregnant goats (173 ± 18 kg − 0.79 d − 1 ), but the difference was not significant ( P = 0.07). There was no significant difference in estimated dry matter digestibility between pregnant and non-pregnant goats (mean ca. 58%), blood or urine osmolality, or urine electrolyte concentrations, indicating they were probably eating similar diets and were able to maintain osmohomeostasis. Overall, the metabolic and hygric physiology of non-pregnant goats conformed statistically to the predictions for non-marine, non-reproductive placental mammals according to both conventional and phylogenetically independent analyses. That was despite the field metabolic rate and estimated dry matter intake of non-pregnant goats being only 60% of the predicted level. We suggest that general allometric analyses predict the range of adaptive possibilities for mammals, but that specific adaptations, as present in goats, result in ecologically significant departures from the average allometric curve. In the case of goats in the arid Australian rangelands, predictions from the allometric regression would overestimate their grazing pressure by about 40% with implications for the predicted impact on their local ecology.

Effect of Cinacalcet on Renal Electrolyte Handling and Systemic Arterial Blood Pressure in Kidney Transplant Patients With Persistent Hyperparathyroidism

The calcimimetic cinacalcet has recently been increasingly used for persistent hyperparathyroidism after renal transplantation. The present study investigated the short-term effects of cinacalcet on urinary electrolyte concentration and arterial blood pressure in kidney transplant patients with persistent hyperparathyroidism. In a prospective controlled single-center cross-over study, we examined 10 stable kidney transplant patients (mean estimated glomerular filtration rate 51±10 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) who received cinacalcet daily for persistent hyperparathyroidism. Urine specimens were collected at baseline and every 2 hr for a total study period of 6 hr after ingestion of 30 mg cinacalcet and without cinacalcet. Intact parathyroid hormone was determined at baseline and 2 hr later. Using ambulatory blood pressure measurement, arterial blood pressure was determined every 15 min. Intact parathyroid hormone was significantly reduced with cinacalcet as compared with controls (-37±27.7% vs. -9.6±10.3%, P=0.009). With cinacalcet, urinary calcium and magnesium concentration were increased (P=0.042 and P=0.007, respectively) and differed significantly as compared with the control phase without cinacalcet. After 4 hr, an increased urinary sodium concentration was also found compared with the control phase (P=0.039). Systolic blood pressure was reduced with cinacalcet (P<0.001) and differed significantly from control phase (-13.7±9.9 mm Hg vs. -3.2±5.2 mm Hg after 2 hr, P=0.009; -18.1±10.8 mm Hg vs. -1.9±5.2 mm Hg after 4 hr, P=0.001). In the short term, cinacalcet increases the urinary concentration of calcium, magnesium, and sodium. The observed antihypertensive effect might be beneficial in patients with a high cardiovascular risk after kidney transplantation.

Hyaluronan is required for the renal medulla to maximally concentrate urine

Hyaluronan (HA) is strikingly more concentrated in the kidney's medulla than in its cortex, and so we tested whether renal medullary HA was required for the maximal concentration of urine. Male C57 mice were uninephrectomized, catheters implanted into the medullary interstitium of their remaining kidney, and they were fed a gelled diet with free access to water. Urine was collected daily from the metabolic cages. Saline was infused at 50 μl/hr for 5–6 days and then for a 4 day control period. During the next 48 hours, Streptomyces hyaluronidase (HAase) was infused at 0.1U/min in test animals (n=4) while normal saline was continued in control animals (n=2). Mice were NPO in the final 48 hours period. The mice infused with HAase were unable to fully concentrate urine, as measured on the second NPO day (2,351±120 vs 6,320±335 milliosmoles/liter, p=0.0001). Urine electrolyte concentrations were also less in mice infused with HAase: sodium (75±5 vs. 244±96 mM, p=0.05), potassium (260±27 vs. 679±103 mM, p=0.005) and urea (1.7±0.1 vs. 4.5±0.3 M, P=0.0003). These results indicate that renal medullary hyaluronan is required for maximal urine concentration in mice. (HL-088421, HL-088421-S1 and HL51971)

Age-dependent effect of ouabain on renal Na +,K +-ATPase

Aims This study examines the effect of chronic ouabain-treatment on renal Na + handling in 12-week and 52-week old rats. Main methods Wistar Kyoto rats aged 5 weeks or 45 weeks were treated with ouabain or vehicle during 7 weeks. Blood pressure was measured in conscious animals throughout the study. After 7 weeks of treatment urinary electrolyte concentration, Na +,K +-ATPase activity and α 1-subunit expression were determined in 12-week and 52-week old rats. Key findings In 12-week and 52-week old rats ouabain produced a significant increase in systolic blood pressure. Although no differences were observed in Na + excretion in these animals, 12-week old ouabain-treated rats had lower Na +,K +-ATPase activity in proximal tubules. However, 12-week old ouabain-treated rats had decreased fractional excretion of Na +. In proximal tubules of 52-week old rats Na +,K +-ATPase activity did not differ between vehicle and ouabain-treated groups. Significance Our results show that in Wistar Kyoto rats renal response to ouabain treatment may be age-dependent and that the hypertensive effect of ouabain is independent of the effect on renal Na +,K +-ATPase.

Study on the diuretic activity of Euphorbia fusiformis Buch.-Ham. in albino rats

The present study was undertaken to evaluate diuretic activity of Euphorbia fusiformis root powder in Wistar strain albino rats. Randomly selected animals were divided into three groups of six animals each. The root powder was suspended in distilled water and administered orally at a dose of 90 mg/kg therapeutically equivalent dose (TED) and 180 mg/kg (TED × 02) to overnight fasted rats. The diuretic activity was evaluated by determination of urine volume and urinary electrolyte concentrations. Test drug showed significant increase in urine volume and urinary electrolyte excretion in a dose-dependant manner. Thus, from this study, it can be concluded that roots of E. fusiformis possess diuretic activity.

Study on the diuretic activity of Veerataru Kwatha in albino rats

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the diuretic activity of Veerataru [Dichrostachys cinerea (Linn.)] Kwatha in experimental animals by following the standard procedure. Randomly selected animals were divided into three groups of six animals each. The root of Veerataru was administered orally in the form of Kwatha at a dose of 5.4 and 10.8 ml/kg. Parameters like volume of urine, pH of urine and urinary electrolyte concentrations like sodium, potassium and chloride were studied. Veerataru Kwatha increased the urine output in a dose-dependent manner. However, it did not affect the urinary electrolyte concentrations. From the present study, it can be concluded that the root of Veerataru has diuretic property.

EMD638683, a Novel SGK Inhibitor with Antihypertensive Potency

The serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) is transcriptionally upregulated by mineralocorticoids and activated by insulin. The kinase enhances renal tubular Na+-reabsorption and accounts for blood pressure increase following high salt diet in mice made hyperinsulinemic by dietary fructose or fat. The present study describes the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of a novel SGK1 inhibitor (EMD638683). EMD638683 was tested in vitro by determination of SGK1-dependent phosphorylation of NDRG1 (N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1) in human cervical carcinoma HeLa-cells. In vivo EMD638683 (4460 ppm in chow, i.e. approx. 600 mg/kg/day) was administered to mice drinking tap water or isotonic saline containing 10% fructose. Blood pressure was determined by the tail cuff method, and urinary electrolyte (flame photometry) concentrations determined in metabolic cages. In vitro testing disclosed EMD638683 as a SGK1 inhibitor with an IC50 of 3 µM. Within 24 hours in vivo EMD638683 treatment significantly decreased blood pressure in fructose/saline-treated mice but not in control animals or in SGK1 knockout mice. EMD638683 failed to alter the blood pressure in SGK1 knockout mice. Following chronic (4 weeks) fructose/high salt treatment, additional EMD638683 treatment again decreased blood pressure. EMD638683 thus abrogates the salt sensitivity of blood pressure in hyperinsulinism without appreciably affecting blood pressure in the absence of hyperinsulinism. EMD638683 tended to increase fluid intake and urinary excretion of Na⁺, significantly increased urinary flow rate and significantly decreased body weight. Conclusion: EMD638683 could serve as a template for drugs counteracting hypertension in individuals with type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Preliminary studies on diuretic effect of hygrophila auriculata (schum) heine in rats

Purpose: Hygrophila auriculata is a traditional folk medicine widely used in the treatment of urinary infection, gout, hepatic obstruction and as a diuretic. This study was conducted to examine the diuretic effect of whole plant extracts and its fractions. Methods: The diuretic effect was examined by treating different groups of wistar albino rats with single (200 mg/kg) oral doses of alcoholic extract/fractions. Frusemide (10 mg/kg) was used as positive control in the study. The urine volume and electrolyte concentration (Na+, K+ and Cl-) were measured. Results: Out of the different fractions and extract, the n-butanol fraction (200 mg/kg) significantly and markedly increased the urine output (p < 0.01). The pattern of diuresis induced by the n-butanol fraction was almost similar to that produced by the frusemide. Conclusion: Hygrophila auriculata plant extract posesses diuretic effects in rats. Keywords: Hygrophila auriculata, Diuretics, Electrolytes, Terpenoid.