Background: Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD), a potent nephrotoxin
can cause degeneration and necrosis in renal tubular
epithelial cells in rodents. Its toxicity is due to conjugation
with glutathione to form the related cysteine conjugate. This
metabolite is then taken up by the kidney and cleared through
renal tubular epithelial cells as a reactive thiol derivative by
the enzyme B-lyase.
Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of verapamil
against HCBC nephrotoxicity.
Method: Five groups of Winstar Albino rats were treated as
follows: Group 1(corn oil), Group 2 HCBD (50mg/kg), Groups
3 and 4 verapamil (50 and 100µg/kg) one hour before HCBD
(50mg/kg) and Group 5 verapamil (100µg/kg) one hour before
HCBD (100mg/kg). All animals were killed after 24 hours.
Results: Histopathologic examinations showed substantial
necrosis in straight portion of the proximal tubules. In verapamil-
treated groups the kidney appeared normal. The concentration
of urea and creatinine, as a marker of kidney damage,
was significantly higher in HCBD-treated, as compared with
the control group.
Conclusion: Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, can protect
the kidney against toxic effect of HCBD in rats.