The effects of carvedilol, metoprolol and propranolol on cisplatin-induced kidney injury.

The ß-adrenoceptor blockers may have anti-oxidant properties or induce ß-arrestin recruitment beyond classical desensitization of receptor/G protein coupling, offering potential therapeutic benefits. Here, we investigated the effects of carvedilol, metoprolol and propranolol in an animal model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Rats received the ß-blockers (3 or 12 mg/kg/day) with or without cisplatin, and kidney function was investigated using renal scintigraphy, histopathology, and serum variables. Metoprolol and propranolol as well as low-dose carvedilol did not alter kidney function, per se. Meanwhile, high-dose carvedilol reduced renal accumulation of Technetium-99m (99mTc)-labeled dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc-DMSA) without significant effect on other variables. Furthermore, low-dose carvedilol prevented cisplatin-induced reduction of tracer uptake, but high-dose of this drug aggravated the situation. In this regard, both low and high -doses of carvedilol significantly inhibited cisplatin effects on kidney histology, BUN and creatinine levels. Also, high-dose propranolol inhibited cisplatin adverse effects on radiotracer uptake, histological manifestations, BUN and creatinine levels, while metoprolol failed to cause a notable effect. Taken together, carvedilol and high-dose propranolol may offer potential benefits in cisplatin nephrotoxicity.

Somatostatin Receptor Scintigraphy in a Patient with Myocarditis

We report a case of myocarditis imaged with technetium-99m octreotide cardiac single-photon emission computed tomography which showed diffuse uptake in the myocardium, indicating inflammatory reaction to myocardial damage. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy of the heart could be considered in patients with suspected cardiac inflammation. This could facilitate early diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.