Proteinuria in relation to age-dependent changes in the plasma and urine concentrations of some electrolytes and hematological indices in Wistar rats.

The study was carried out to determine the influence of proteinuria on plasma and urine concentrations of electrolytes and hematological indices in Wistar rats of different age groups. Eighty Wistar rats of both sexes were used for this study. Groups 1 and 2 each consisted of 8 one month old male and female rats; 3 and 4 had 8 three month old rats; 5 and 6 had 8 six month old rats; 7 and 8 had 8 nine month old rats; 9 and 10 had 8 twelve month old rats. The plasma sodium, potassium and calcium concentrations of 3 month old rats were significantly lower when compared with 1, 6, 9 and 12 months of age. Similarly, rats aged 3 months had significantly lower urine concentrations of sodium, potassium and calcium than rats of other age groups. A strong correlation was observed between the urine protein and urine sodium of the female rats at ages 3, 9 and 12 months but it was only significant at age 12 months (p = 0.105 and p = 0.021, respectively). Also, the female rats aged 3 and 12 months had a strong correlation between their urine protein and urine calcium (p = 0.002 and p = 0.131, respectively). The red blood cells, lymphocyte and monocyte counts of the rats increased gradually and peaked at age 9 months with a subsequent decline at 12 months of age. It was concluded that the influence of proteinuria on electrolytes was least observed in the rats aged 3 months, since they had reduced and consistent plasma and urine concentrations of electrolytes measured when compared with other age groups. This implies that long-term renal studies involving the use of rats must be carefully interpreted because of the changes in plasma and urine concentrations of electrolytes as the rats age.

Diuretic activity and toxicity study of the aqueous extract of Cola nitida seed on markers of renal function and electrolytes in rats.

BackgroundCola nitida is a plant, conventionally used in Africa in the treatment of various ailments such as migraine, morning sickness and indigestion. The aim of the present study was to explore the diuretic activity of the aqueous extract of C. nitida seed (AECONS) and alteration caused by its subchronic administration on the structure and function of the kidney of male Wistar rats. MethodsThe study was divided into diuretic and subchronic studies. Twenty-five male Wistar rats weighing between 140 and 180 g were divided into five groups of five rats each. The first 24 h of this study investigated the possible diuretic activity of C. nitida seed. Group I (the control) received 25 mL/kg of normal saline. Group II (the standard) received 20 mg/kg/day of furosemide. Groups III, IV, V received 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg/day of AECONS, respectively, and orally. Urine volume, pH, specific gravity and electrolytes were estimated in the samples of urine collected after 6 h of the study. From the second day onward and up to a period of 4 weeks, the rats in each group were given normal saline, furosemide and AECONS once daily as was done on the first day. At the end of the 4-week treatment period, blood and urine samples were collected for the determination of creatinine, urea, Na+, K+ and Cl- concentrations. Results The results of the diuretic study showed that the AECONS at all doses used and furosemide produced a significant increase in urine output with respect to the control group. AECONS also induced a significant increase in the urine concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl- in the experimental and standard groups when compared with the control group, except for group III which showed no significant variation in K+ concentration. In the subchronic study, AECONS caused a significant increase in the urine levels of Na+, K+, Cl- in the experimental and standard groups when compared with the control rats. The plasma Na+ concentration of groups IV and V was significantly lower than that of the control group. Photomicrographs of the kidneys of the experimental and standard groups revealed no significant alterations in the histology of their kidney tissues. Conclusions It is concluded that AECONS induced diuresis which is associated with increased Na+, K+ and Cl- loss in rats without any significant alteration in the structure of their kidneys.