Fig. 2 Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) profiles of a excipient-grade poloxamer 188 (P188-NF) and

b purified poloxamer 188 (P188-P) 3.2 Remnant-Kidney Animal Model 3.2.1 Histology and Ultrastructure Histologic evaluation of H&E-stained sections of remnant kidneys in rats infused with P188-NF demonstrated dose-related diffuse cytoplasmic selleck vacuolization in the epithelial cells of the GF120918 cost proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) (Fig. 3). The vacuolization was restricted to the PCT, as no changes were observed in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). The cytoplasmic vacuoles contained PAS-positive droplets, suggesting that they harbored reabsorbed protein. PAS staining also revealed that the epithelial brush borders were normal in appearance and the basement membranes were intact. A similar pattern of dose-related

vacuolization was observed with P188-P, although to a lesser extent. No other abnormalities related to inflammation or necrosis were observed with either treatment. Fig. 3 Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections: the left panel represents normal-appearing cells following a saline infusion; the right panel represents the cytoplasmic vacuolization of the proximal Transmembrane Transporters inhibitor convoluted tubule (PCT), with sparring of the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) observed more prominently with excipient-grade poloxamer 188 (P188-NF). Proximal convoluted tubules (P), distal tubules (D) and glomeruli (G) are indicated (magnification,

×400) Electron microscopy revealed similar ultrastructural findings to those seen with histologic evaluation. Remnant kidneys treated with either P188-NF or P188-P showed Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase numerous cytoplasmic (apparently membrane-bound) vacuoles containing electron-dense aggregates (presumably protein). The vacuolization was again limited to the PCT, with none being detected in either the DCT or the collecting ducts. There were no transition forms to suggest that the vacuoles had been derived from degenerating mitochondria. The epithelial brush borders and basement membranes were intact and normal in appearance, and there was no evidence of necrosis or irreversible injury. 3.3 Effect on Creatinine Treatment with P188-NF and P188-P resulted in dose-dependent increases in serum creatinine at 24 h post-infusion. However, the elevations in creatinine were generally lower among animals treated with P188-P. At the highest dose level (i.e., 1,000 mg/kg/h), the mean creatinine level in animals treated with P188-NF at 24 h post-infusion was 2.48 mg/dL, representing an increase of 1.41 mg/dL from baseline (Table 1). In comparison, the same parameter in animals treated with P188-P was 1.73 mg/dL, representing an increase of 0.86 mg/dL from baseline. Both the 24-h creatinine levels and the changes in creatinine levels from baseline to 24 h differed significantly between P188-P and P188-NF (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.005, respectively).