Sexual dimorphism in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats: Possible role of endothelin

Sexual dimorphism in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats: Possible role of endothelin . Background Postischemic organ dysfunction is influenced by gender and sexual steroids. Methods To compare the susceptibility of the kidney to postischemic failure between sexes, the left vascular pedicle was clamped for 50 minutes in anesthetized male and female Wistar rats. Survival rate, renal and systemic hemodynamics and renal prepro-endothelin (pp-ET) mRNA expression were measured. Results Eight percent of males as compared to 75% of females survived for more than 7 days. Previous orchidectomy of mature rats or sexual immaturity improved the rate of 7 day survival to 67% and 58%, respectively, as compared to intact males ( P Conclusion Female rats enjoy relative protection against postischemic renal failure. Furthermore, in intact males the effects of androgens upon ischemic kidney damage seem to be mediated by endothelin-induced vascular changes.