Activation of alpha sub(1)-Adrenergic Receptors Potentiates the Nephrotoxicity of Ethylene Dibromide

Using male ICR mice, the role of alpha -adrenergic receptor activation in modulating the nephrotoxicity of ethylene dibromide was investigated. Animals were given a single ip dose of 0.05 ml/10 g body weight. In selected animals, phenylephrine, an alpha -adrenergic agonist, was administered after ethylene dibromide treatment, and phentolamine, an alpha -adrenergic antagonist, was given prior to and after ethylene dibromide treatment. Results showed that activation of alpha sub(1)-adrenergic receptors significantly increased the acute nephrotoxicity of ethylene dibromide, but enhanced toxicity was alleviated with phentolamine. Enhanced nephrotoxicity was observed in animals treated concomitantly with ethylene dibromide and phenylephrine, which caused a net decrease in glutathione levels.