Protective Effect of Cannabinoid Receptor-2 Blockage in Experimental Myoglobinuric Acute Kidney Injury

Abstract

Aim: Acute kidney injury is an important public health problem worldwide due to the significant morbidities and the economic burden it causes. We aimed to investigate the effects of cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists on biochemical and histopathological parameters in myoglobinuric acute kidney injury (MAKI). Methods: Wistar rats were divided into seven groups. Six groups underwent a 50% glycerol injection to establish kidney injury, while one group received physiological saline (PS) injection to serve as a control. Agonist (WIN55,212-2) and antagonist (AM251 or SR144528) injections were administered intraperitoneally at 60- and 75 minutes following glycerol injection. Serum and urine samples were collected, and kidney tissues were removed. Glutathione, malondialdehyde, urea, creatinine, and sodium levels were assayed. Histopathological evaluation was performed semi-quantitatively on the hematoxylin eosin-stained sections. Results: Serum creatinine and urea levels were significantly higher in all kidney injury groups compared to control. Serum creatinine level was significantly lower in the WIN+SR144528 group compared to the AKI group. Histological damage score was significantly lower in the WIN and WIN+SR144528 groups compared to the AKI group. Conclusions: Blockade of cannabinoid 2 receptors improved kidney function and histology against MAKI, while blockade of cannabinoid 1 receptors caused negative results.