OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of the experiential compound prescription Shenshuai compound medicine (SSCM) on acute renal failure (ARF) rats, and expose its mechanism.

METHODMale SD rats were allocated into four groups at random. Except normal group, the others were injected glycerin into the musculi to induce a model of ARF. At the same time, rats in normal and model groups were given a dose (10 mL x kg(-1)) of normal saline; rats in the other two groups were given verapamil (Vp) 40 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) and SSCM 22.5 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) respectively by gastric gavages. In this way they were killed at 24 h after injecting glycerin.

RESULTIn contrast with model group, SSCM and Vp could ameliorate the renal function of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) rats markedly, in a way protect the renal inherent cell ultrastructure such as tubular epithelial cell etc at ATN early-stage; especially SSCM could enhance NO contents in serum, and was reduce ET levels inplasma, evidently cut down TNF-alpha contents in serum, and was partly superior to Vp.

CONCLUSIONIt is indicated that SSCM can adjust thebalance of contract and stretch blood vessal active substance and clear away initiate inflammatory medium, consequently alleviate renal pathological changes, prevent and treat ARF.