[Effects of cicletanine on kidney lesions associated with age. Light and electron microscopy studies].

Aging laboratory animals constantly present with chronic progressive nephrosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of a chronic treatment with cicletanine in aging rats, notably as regards kidneys. Sixteen Wistar rats aged 26 months were divided into two groups: one group served as control, while the other received oral cicletanine 30 mg/kg/day.

[Protective effect of cicletanine in hypertensive retinopathy. Evaluation of retinal function in the isolated retina].

In order to demonstrate functional impairments related to hypertensive retinopathy, we experimented on the isolated retina of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP strain A3N Iffa Credo). We also used this experimental model to assess the protective effect of treatment with cicletanine, a new synthetic furopyridine compound. Treatment consisted of daily oral administration of either 50 or 100 mg/kg of cicletanine for 5 weeks.

[Comparison of the effects of cicletanine and captopril on kidney and heart lesions in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP)].

All studies carried out on stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP) have clearly demonstrated that cicletanine protects tissues and vessels. This effect has also been observed with captopril. However, the effectiveness of captopril seemed to be dependent on its blood pressure lowering effect, and this was not found with cicletanine in previous experimental studies on SHR-SP.

[Effects of oxygenated free radicals on the electrophysiological activity of the isolated retina of the rat].

Particularly rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, the retina constitutes an excellent model for testing the functional consequences of membrane lipoperoxidation. The effects could be quantified by measuring the amplitude of the electroretinogram which represents the characteristic response of the retina to its physiological stimulus (light photons). The authors report results obtained on isolated rat retina maintained in survival by perfusion.