Effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix Pharmacopuncture Intravenous Injection on Ischemia-induced Acute Renal Failure in Rabbits

(4) Journal of Pharmacopuncture, Vol.14, No.4, pp. 5∼11, 2011

Effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix Pharmacopuncture Intravenous Injection on Ischemia-induced Acute Renal Failure in Rabbits

Hyeong Cheol Kim, Gyoung Ho Kim, Guem San Lee, Hyung Woo Kim, Se Hyun Lim, Chi Yeon Lim, Young Gyun Kim, Su In Cho

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to determine whether Glycyrrhizae Radix pharmacopuncture intravenous injection exerts a beneficial effect against ischemia-induced acute renal failure in rabbits.

Methods: Rabbits were treated with Glycyrrhizae Radix pharmacopuncture via i.v., followed by renal ischemia/reperfusion. The fractional excretions of glucose and phosphate were measured; the malondialdehyde content was also determined. The morphological changes of the cortical part of the kidney were observed with a light microscope.

Results: Renal ischemia/reperfusion caused increased fractional excretions of glucose and phosphate in ischemia-induced animals, which was prevented by Radix Glycyrrhizae extract treatment. Ischemia/reperfusion increased lipid peroxidation, which was prevented by Radix Glycyrrhizae pharmacopuncture administration. Morphological changes were also altered.

Conclusions: These results indicate that lipid peroxidation plays a critical role in ischemia-induced acute renal failure and that Glycyrrhizae Radix pharmacopuncture exerts a protective effect against acute renal failure induced by renal ischemia/reperfusion.

Key Words: Glycyrrhizae Radix; pharmacopuncture; ischemia; renal failure