The effect of verapamil on the prevention of ischemia/reperfusion injury in the experimental retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy model

Background: This study investigated the effect of intravenous administration of verapamil in prevention of the injury caused by free oxygen radicals generated in a rabbit retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy model. Methods: Twenty-four adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups. In group I, balloon dissection of the left retroperitoneal space was performed. In group II, CO2 at 10 mmHg was applied for 3 hours after the balloon dissection. In group III, laparotomy was performed, the left renal pedicle was clamped for 3 min, and the clamp was removed 5 min before nephrectomy. In group IV, 2 min before the attempt 0.2 mg/kg verapamil was given intravenously, and the same procedure was employed as in group III. Nephrectomy was performed after each experiment. The concentrations of malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and protein carbonyl content were measured in renal tissue samples as markers of oxidative stress. Results: Pneumoretroperitoneum (Prp) promoted oxidative stress in renal tissues, with an increase of MDA and protein carbonyl content. The verapamil-pretreated group (group IV) showed statistical significantly lower values of MDA and protein carbonyl content when compared with group II and III (p<0.05), whereas tissue GSH concentrations were unchanged in all groups. Conclusions: Our study showed that Prp causes increased oxidative stress in renal tissue. Warm ischemia lasting 3 min did not exert an additive effect on Prp-associated oxidative stress. Verapamil reduces the oxidative stress markers caused by Prp.