The effect of ascorbic acid on renal function in dogs with ischemia reperfusion injury

Abstract

The effect of ascorbic acid on renal function in dogs subjected to ischemia reperfusion injury was investigated. Six dogs with a mean weight of 10 kg (range 8 - 11 kg) were used in the study. The dogs were administered ascorbic acid (treatment group) and the same volume of normal saline (control group).This administration was followed by reperfusion. Nephrectomy was carried out on the right kidneys. Blood samples were collected from these dogs post operatively on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 days and analysed for blood urea (BUN) and creatinine. There was no significant difference in serum creatinine level in both the control and treatment group (p>0.05). There was significant change in the levels of BUN in both the control and treatment groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, ascorbic acid protects renal tissue from being damaged by ischemia-reperfusion injury, thereby, helping in the recovery of renal function.