ABSTRACT
This chapter evaluates the role of eicosanoids in renal failure by examining the changes in eicosanoid metabolism which occur in different models of renal failure, and the effects of dietary alteration and agents which alter eicosanoid metabolism on kidney function in these models. Although vasoconstrictor eicosanoids such as thromboxane have the potential to decrease blood flow by increasing resistance through vasoconstriction or stimulation of mesangial cell contractility, the production of thromboxane in healthy kidney is low, and is probably unimportant in the absence of disease. The role of eicosanoids in renal failure has been aided by the development of a variety of animal model systems. Ischemic acute renal failure is induced either by clamping the renal artery or by intrarenal infusion of norepinephrine. Pathologic changes in the kidney after induction of renal ischemia are associated with an increase in plasma levels of both thromboxane and prostacyclin.
