Histological Study on the Effect of Furosemide on Renal Cortex of Mice with Hepatic Fibrosis Secondary to Schistosoma Mansoni Infection

Introduction: Schistosoma mansoni is a documented factor for the acquisition of hepatic fibrosis, with further edema and ascites. Recent researches suggested that diuretic treatment in patients with hepatic fibrosis could result in renal impairment. Aim of the Work: To evaluate the changes in renal cortex after injection of furosemide in mice with hepatic fibrosis secondary to schistosoma mansoni infection. Materials and Methods: Sixteen adult male mice were divided into 2 groups. Non- infected mice (group I), were further subdivided into two subgroups (a b). Subgroup (Ia) mice were untreated and subjected as negative controls while subgroup (Ib) mice were injected daily with furosemide for 14 successive days. The other 8 mice (group II), were infected with schistosoma mansoni and left for 8 weeks for induction of hepatic fibrosis. Then, group II mice were subdivided into two subgroups (a b). Subgroup (IIa) mice were untreated and served as positive controls for liver fibrosis. Mice of Subgroup (IIb) were injected with the same dose of furosemide for successive 14 days. All animals were sacrificed and samples from livers and kidneys were collected, stained and examined. Results: Mice of subgroup (IIa) showed focal glomerular changes in the form of either proliferation or atrophy. Fusion of foot processes of podocytes with deposition of dense bodies appeared with electron microscopic study. Mice of subgroup (IIb) showed massive glomerular and tubular damage. Glomerular capillary obliteration, subendothelial humps, destructed foot processes and cellular vacuolations were manifested. Renal tubules showed destructed microvilli and cellular damage. Interstitial lymphocytic infiltration and interstitial renal fibrosis were also demonstrated. Conclusion: Furosemide possessed renal cortical damaging effect when administered in mice with hepatic fibrosis.