[Larrea tridentata. Effect on a non-metabolic model of urolithiasis in rats]. / Larrea tridentata en urofitiasls. Efecto en un modelo no metabólico en ratas.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of L. tridentata infusion on the development of urinary calculi in a non-metabolic model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups (n = 10 each). The experimental group received 1 mL of oral L. tridentata infusion three times daily for 95 days. Control group received 1 mL tap water. Five days after initiating treatment, urolithiasis was induced inserting a series of 15 knots of 5-0 chromic catgut into the urinary bladder. Measurements included body weight and water intake, complete blood counts, glucose, BUN, creatinine, bacterial culture, and weight of urinary stones and sands. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between groups for any variable. CONCLUSIONS: An infusion of L. tridentata was not effective in the prevention of urolith formation in the suture-induced rat model. It produced no alterations in body weight gain, blood counts, or water intake. Future work is needed to completely rule out any effect of the plant on urolith formation.