Role of leukotrienes in N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS) and NDPS metabolite nephrotoxicity in male Fischer 344 rats

The agricultural fungicide N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS) can induce marked nephrotoxicity in rats following a single intraperitoneal (ip) administration of 0.4 mmol/kg or greater. Although NDPS induces direct renal proximal tubular toxicity, a role for renal vascular effects may also be present. The purpose of this study was to examine the possible role of vasoconstrictor leukotrienes in NDPS and NDPS metabolite nephrotoxicity. Male Fischer 344 rats (4 rats/group) were administered diethylcarbamazine (DEC; 250 or 500 mg/kg, ip), an inhibitor of LTA4 synthesis, 1 h before NDPS (0.4 mmol/kg, ip), N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxysuccinimide (NDHS, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.4 mmol/kg, ip), or N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxysuccinamic acid (2-NDHSA, 0.1 mmol/kg, ip) or vehicle. In a separate set of experiments, the LTD4 receptor antagonist LY171883 (100 mg/kg, po) was administered 0.5 h before and again 6 h after NDHS (0.1 mmol/kg, ip) or 2-NDHSA (0.1 mmol/kg, ip) or vehicle. Renal function was monitored for 48 h post-NDPS or NDPS metabolite. DEC markedly reduced the nephrotoxicity induced by NDPS and its metabolites, while LY171883 treatments provided only partial attenuation of NDHS and 2-NDHSA nephrotoxicity. These results suggest that leukotrienes contribute to the mechanisms of NDPS nephrotoxicity.

► NDPS nephrotoxicity was decreased by DEC, an inhibitor of leukotriene synthesis.
► LTD4 receptor inhibition did not decrease NDPS metabolite nephrotoxicity.
► The results support a role for leukotrienes in NDPS nephrotoxicity.
► LTC4 is the most likely leukotriene contributing to NDPS nephrotoxicity.