Radiology, Vol 196, 661-665, Copyright © 1995 by Radiological Society of North America
Bosentan, an orally active endothelin antagonist: effect on the renal response to contrast media
SD Oldroyd, JL Haylor and SK Morcos
Sheffield Kidney Institute, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, England.
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.
