Administration time-dependent change in the effect of spironolactone in rats

The Effects of Irbesartan and Spironolactone in Prevention of Peritoneal Fibrosis in Rats

Background

Bacterial peritonitis episodes may disturb the functional and histological integrity of the peritoneum in peritoneal dialysis patients. The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system may have fibrotic effects on the peritoneum.

Objective

To study the effects of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (irbesartan) and an aldosterone antagonist (spironolactone) in the prevention of peritoneal fibrosis in a rat model of bacterial peritonitis.

Methods

40 Wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups: bacteria (B), bacteria–irbesartan (BI), bacteria–spironolactone (BS), bacteria–irbesartan–spironolactone (BIS), and control (C) groups. The C group received only dextran beads (Cytodex; Sigma Chemicals, St Louis, Missouri, USA); the others were given bacteria and dextran beads intraperitoneally. Irbesartan and/or spironolactone were given to 3 groups: BI, BS, and BIS. On the eighth day, the rats were sacrificed, peritoneal adhesion was quantified, and peritoneal tissue sections were evaluated histologically.

Results

The peritoneal total adhesion score was significantly higher in the B group than in the BI, BIS, and C groups ( p < 0.01). Mean peritoneal thickness, mean inflammation score, and mean fibrosis score were significantly higher in the B group in comparison to the C group ( p < 0.05). Mean peritoneal thickness of all treatment groups was significantly lower than the B group ( p < 0.05). Serum transforming growth factor beta-1 level was significantly higher in the B group than in the BI, BS, and C groups ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Irbesartan and spironolactone seem to decrease the extent of peritoneal injury caused by bacterial peritonitis.

Effect of spironolactone on diuresis and urine sodium and potassium excretion in healthy dogs

OBJECTIVES

To document the diuretic effect of different oral doses of spironolactone (SP) in healthy dogs.

BACKGROUND

SP is currently mentioned as a diuretic agent in the dog. However, the recommended doses were empirically defined and their corresponding diuretic effect has never been documented in dogs.

ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight adult Beagle dogs were used for two separate 2*2 cross-over designs. In the first cross-over, 4 dogs received SP orally for 8 days at 1 and 2mg/kg per day. In the second cross-over the 4 other dogs received SP similarly, but at 4 and 8 mg/kg per day. Dogs were weighed on the first and last day of each period. Plasma SP and canrenone (the main active metabolite of SP) were assayed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Daily water consumption, urine weight, urine specific gravity, and urine excretion of sodium and potassium were measured during the SP treatment.

RESULTS

Two hours after SP administration, SP was metabolized into canrenone. A significant 14 and 22% decrease in urine potassium excretion was observed at 1 and 2mg/kg, respectively, but not at the two other dose levels. Daily water consumption, urine weight, urine specific gravity, and urine excretion of sodium were not significantly altered by the SP treatment regardless of dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated oral administration of SP at 1, 2, 4 or 8 mg/kg for 8 days had no effect on water and sodium diuresis in healthy dogs.