The Protective Effect of γ-Glutamyl l-Dopa on the Glycerol Treated Rat Model of Acute Renal Failure

1. γ-Glutamyl l-dopa, a renal pro-drug for dopamine, was administered to rats before and after injection of glycerol, and to a control group which received water in place of glycerol. A third group of rats was given glycerol but no γ-glutamyl l-dopa.

2. The plasma creatinine in rats given γ-glutamyl l-dopa and glycerol was significantly lower than in rats receiving glycerol alone.

3. The fall in urine creatinine excretion, and polyuria, after glycerol was reduced by γ-glutamyl l-dopa and the natriuresis abolished.

4. γ-Glutamyl l-dopa given alone caused a 4000-fold increase in urine dopamine excretion, associated with a natriuresis.

5. The administration of γ-glutamyl l-dopa reduces the severity of renal failure produced by glycerol.