Bosentan, an orally active endothelin antagonist: effect on the renal response to contrast media.

PURPOSE

To examine the effect of bosentan, an orally active endothelin-receptor antagonist, on the renal response to contrast media in the isolated perfused rat kidney (IPRK) and to establish whether bosentan can inhibit contrast media-induced nephrotoxicity in a multiple-insult model in the conscious rat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Renal function was measured in the IPRK (n = 24) and in the rats that had undergone unilateral nephrectomy, were maintained on a salt-free diet, and were receiving indomethacin (10 mg/kg/d; n = 60).

RESULTS

In the IPRK, diatrizoate and iotrolan reduced the glomerular filtration rate and renal perfusate flow, an effect markedly inhibited by bosentan (n = 6 per group). In the multiple-insult rat model, the fall in creatinine clearance produced by diatrizoate was also markedly inhibited by bosentan (n = 15 per group).

CONCLUSION

Endothelin antagonists such as bosentan may be used to reduce the prevalence of contrast-induced nephrotoxicity.