Changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation related to bromoethylamine-induced renal cytotoxicity

Background. The effect of bromoethylamine (BEA) administration on lipid peroxidation and on the activities of antioxidant enzymes was studied. Methods. Adult rats received BEA at 1.2 mmol/kg, a dose that produces renal papillary necrosis, Lipid peroxidation assessed by maximal rate in MDA formation, the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the levels of non-protein sulfhydryls (NPSH) were measured in renal cortex and papilla of control and BEA-treated animals. Results. After BEA treatment, an increment in lipid peroxidation in papilla and cortex was found after 1.5 and 24 hours of treatment. Catalase activity decreased in both regions, but earlier in cortex. Conclusion. These data suggest some role of oxidative stress in the mechanism of BEA-induced papillary necrosis. (C) 1999 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.