Effects of erythropoietin on renal tissue in an experimental rat model of septic shock

Abstract

Aim: To examine the effect of erythropoetin on renal function and histological findings in experimental septic shock model, 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Material and Methods: Rats were divided into control, septic shock, and erythropoetin-treated septic shock groups. Femoral vein and artery catheterization were performed on all rats. Rats in the control group underwent laparotomy and catheterization; in the test groups, cecal ligation-perforation and bladder cannulation were added. Rats in the treatment group received a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 250 mg/kg erythropoetin 60 minutes after cecal ligation perforation. Rats were monitored for blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature to assess the postoperative septic response. The body fluids were replaced as necessary. At the end of 24 hours, rats were sacrificed and renal samples were collected. Results: In our study, although there were lessstudies about septic shock model with erythropoietin, we have achieved similar results as the data in the available literatures. WBC, fever, urinary volume, urinary creatinin, BUN, blood creatinin values were significantly better in sepsis treated by erythropoietin group than non-treated sepsis group (p<0,001, table 1)Significant improvements were observed in histological findings in rats treated with erythropoetin, compared to rats with untreated. Discussion: Our findings demonstrate that erythropoetin has antioxidant effects of sepsis as seen in other studies. We conclude that erythropoetin may be an effective treatment for oxidative damage due to renal tissue perfusion defects in cases of septic shock.