Effect of pentoxifylline on the ischemic rat kidney monitored by 31P NMR spectroscopy in vivo.

The effect of pentoxifylline on the recovery of renal energy metabolism after ischemia and reperfusion was studied by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in vivo. Rat kidneys were exposed to 15, 30 and 60 min, respectively, of ischemia by clamping the arteria renalis. Pre-ischemic application of pentoxifylline improves the recovery of renal energy metabolism. The concentration of ATP was found to be higher in pentoxifylline pretreated kidneys than in controls after ischemia. The 5'-nucleotidase inhibiting activity of pentoxifylline is suggested to be the mechanism responsible for the protective effect of the drug. 31P NMR spectroscopy proved to be a powerful tool for continuous follow-up of drug effects on metabolic processes.