Abstract: (10967 Views)
Introduction: Orexins are novel neuropeptides that are localized in neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. They are
implicated in a wide variety of physiological functions. Orexin peptides and receptors are found in many peripheral
organs such as kidneys. It has been demonstrated that exogenous orexin-A can induce protective effects against
ischemia–reperfusion injury in many organs. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of orexin-A on the
hepatic dysfunction and histological damage induced by renal ischemia/ reperfusion at an early stage.
Methods: Pentobarbital anaesthetized rats were prepared for measuring renal functional variables. Ischemia was
induced by bilateral renal artery clamping for 30 min followed by a 1 h reperfusion period. In orexin-treated rats, it was
infused at 500 pmol·kg−1·min−1 (i.v.) from the beginning of pre-ischemic (pretreatment) clearance period. The liver was
examined using light microscopy.
Results: The renal ischemic challenge resulted in hepatic functional and histological damages, which were
associated with decreased creatinine clearance during the reperfusion period. In orexin-treated rats, the functional and
histological damages to the liver were improved along with the decrease in creatinine clearance being smaller than those
of the non-treated rats.
Conclusion: Orexin-A exhibited an ameliorative effect against renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced lesions in the
liver.