Recovery of renal function after warm ischemia. I. The effect of chlorpromazine and phenoxybenzamine.

The effects of treatment with chlorpromazine (4 mg/kg) and phenoxybenzamine (1 and 5 mg/kg) on renal function and morphology after warm ischemia and contralateral nephrectomy were studied. Chlorpromazine pretreatment by intravenous injection 15 min before warm ischemia of 60 min resulted in the survival of all animals (cf. 75% in untreated group), with better renal function in the first week. Necrosis of the proximal convoluted tubule and ultimate residual cortical damage were less severe than in the untreated groups. Chlorpromazine was also beneficial after 75 min warm ischemia, although mortality was not reduced. Administration of chlorpromazine just prior to revascularization was ineffective, suggesting that sufficient concentration of the drug must be present in the kidney during the ischemic period or immediately after revascularization. Chlorpromazine probably protects the proximal tubular cells from ischemic damage. Phenoxybenzamine (1 mg/kg) was ineffective when administered 15 min before warm ischemia. A higher (5 mg/kg) dosage of the drug proved to be detrimental.