Diltiazem minimizes tubular damage due to FK506-mediated nephrotoxicity following ischemia and reperfusion in rats

We examined the nephrotoxicity of tacrolimus (FK506) in a model of mild warm ischemia. After clamping of both renal arteries of male Sprague-Dawley rats for 20 min, the animals received tacrolimus (3 mg/kg/day i.p.), vehicle of a combination of tacrolimus (3 mg/kg/day i.p.) and diltiazem (12 mg/kg, orally) or vehicle and diltiazem (12 mg/kg, orally). The excretion of urinary enzymes was determined on a daily basis, creatinine clearance at day 10. Tacrolimus significantly increased NAG (N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase) excretion and associated histological damage, finally decreasing creatinine clearance. The toxic potential of tacrolimus was markedly enhanced by ischemia. The additional application of diltiazem reduced NAG excretion and histological damage without affecting creatinine clearance, Thus, the protective effect of diltiazem on tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity seems to be at least partially a tubular one.