PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL ON MERCURIC CHLORIDE-INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN RATS

In the present study the effect of mycophenolate moletil (MMF), an immunosuppressant, on mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats was investigated Animals (200-250 g) were divided into five groups and were subjected to a 6-day treatment schedule The first (control) group received only vehicle without any active drug The second to fifth groups were administered HgCl2 challenge (single dose of 5 mg/kg, s c) on the fourth day Additionally, the second group received distilled water (DW) on all 6 days and the third group was administered DW the initial 3 days and MMF (10 mg/kg b i d by oral gavage) on days 4-6 The fourth group was given DW the initial 2 days and MMF on days 3-6 and the fifth group received MMF all 6 days All animals were euthanized on the sixth day It was found that HgCl2, administration caused significant nephrotoxicity, as indicated by a rise in serum creatinine, blood urea and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) concentrations, histopathological injury and increased oxidative stress (altered malondialdehyde and glutathione levels) as compared to the control group Administration of MMF significantly ameliorated HgCl2-induced nephrotoxicity The results suggest the potential of MMF in preventing the acute nephrotoxicity of HgCl2.