The effect of Crocin on the renal tissue damages and leukocyte infiltration induced by ischemia-reperfusion among rats

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of crocin against tissue damages and leukocyte infiltration induced by renal ischemia/reperfusion.

Methods: In this experimental study, 35 male Wister rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into 5 groups; 1. Operated controls, but no vessel occlusion was considered and passed during equivalent reperfusion period for Sham group. The second group received solvent of crocin and went through surgery, bilateral renal ischemia for 30 min and 24-h reperfusion period (I/R). The rest (group 3-5) underwent Ischemia/reperfusion and received a dose of crocin with 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg,ip respectively. At the end of reperfusion period, the right kidney tissue were collected and after staining with haematoxylin-eosin, subjected to microscopic study.

Results: Following ischemia/reperfusion, the Bowman's space size, cell necrosis in the tubules of the cortex and outer medulla, vascular congestion and tubular casts in the outer and inner medulla increased. However, RBCs number in glomerular capillaries decreased and all these injuries were improved considerably via taking crocin using every three doses. In addition, ischemia/reperfusion leads to partially severe infiltration of lymphocytes into interstitial space (P<0.001), and crocin could decrease their infiltration significantly.  

Conclusion: Intraperitoneal administration of Crocin has protective effects against 30 min ischemia and 24-h reperfusion induced tissue damages as well as leukocyte infiltration in kidneys.