Chronopharmacology of the new uricosuric diuretic S-8666 in rats: (II). Examination in aged rats.

We have previously demonstrated a time-dependent variability in the diuretic effects of S-8666, a new loop diuretic with uricosuric activity, in young rats. The present study was undertaken to determine whether such a daily variation in the effects of the agent exists in aged rats. S-8666 (30 and 90 mg/kg) was orally given at 12:00 a.m. (day trial) or at 12:00 p.m. (night trial) in young (10-11 week old) and aged (23-24 month old) Wistar rats. Urine was collected for 8 hours after the agent; and urinary excretions of sodium, S-8666 and its active metabolite S-8680 were determined. Urinary excretions of volume and sodium following S-8666 at 12:00 a.m. were greater than those at 12:00 p.m. in the young and aged animals. Urinary excretions of S-8666 and S-8680 were also greater in the day trial compared to those in the night trial in both groups of rats. In the day and night trials, there were significant correlations between urinary S-8666 + S-8680 and the diuretic effects in both groups of rats. These findings indicate that the diuretic effects of S-8666 also vary with its time of dosing in aged rats. The time-dependent variations in urinary S-8666 and S-8680 might be involved in this phenomenon.