Comparison of the Effects of Losartan and Amlodipine on L-Name Induced Hypertensive Nephropathy in Albino Rats

The present study was undertaken to compare the possible protective effects of losartan and amlodipine against N -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertensive nephropathy in albino rats. Hypertensive nephropathy was induced in adult rats by administration of L-NAME for 6 weeks. Rats were treated with either losartan, or amlodipine in combination with L-NAME. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured at 2 , 4 and 6 weeks of the study. At the end of the study, 24 hours urine volume and urine albumin nd th th were measured. In addition, histopathological study was done for all groups. Chronic L-NAME administration resulted in significant elevation in the MAP, significant albuminuria and significant decrease in urine volume as compared to the control group. Histopathological changes were observed in the form of congested glomeruli, loss of Bowman`s space, capillary congestion and haemorrhage, in addition to dense collagen fibers deposition in adventitia. Both losartan and amlodipine significantly decreased the elevated MAP as compared to L-NAME treated group, reduction in albuminuria and improving urine volume were significant in losartan treated rats as compared to amlodipine treated. It can be concluded that, while both losartan and amlodipine significantly decreased the elevated MAP, there were greater reduction in albuminuria and greater increment in urine volume following treatment with losartan in comparison to amlodipine.