OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between the dosage of irbesartan and the renal tissue structure in diabetic rats.

METHODSMale Wistar rats was given a single intraperitoneal dose (mg/kg) of streptozotocin to induce diabetes. The diabetic rats were randomized into 4 groups and received 4 weeks later 25 mg/kg (n=9), 50 mg/kg (n=9), 200 mg/kg (n=9) irbesartan intragastrically, or equal volume of water (model group, n=11) on a daily basis. Seven normal rats receiving with equal volume of water served as the normal control. All the rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks and the 24-hour albumin excretion, renal mass index and the volume of the glomerulus were measured.

RESULTSThe 24-hour albumin excretion, renal mass index and volume of the glomerulus in the 3 irbesartan groups were significantly decreased as compare with those in the model group; the reductions in 50 and 200 mg/kg irbesartan groups were significant greater than those in 25 mg/kg irbesartan group.

CONCLUSIONIrbesartan can decrease the 24-hour urinary albumin excretion and relive glomerulopathy in diabetic rats. Within a certain dose range, irbesartan produces a dose-dependent protective effect on the renal structures in the diabetic rats.