Renal Effects of Extracorporeal Shockwave on Rats with Genetic Predisposition to Hypertension

Jun, In Soo; Park, Kwan Jin; Hong, Sung Ju

Abstract

PURPOSE: Although shockwave induced injury to the normal kidney is regarded as negligible, it may be more prominent, and harmful, in case of uncontrolled hypertension. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of a repetitive focused shockwave on the renal morphology and blood pressure of spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR), and to compare the results with normotensive controls.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
At 14 weeks of age, 10 SHRs received four separate shockwave treatments (1,000 shocks per treatment at 17.2kV) at one week intervals, with 10 normotensive controls receiving the same treatment. At 20 weeks of age, their subsequent changes in blood pressure and renal morphology were compared.
RESULTS
In the SHR group, the renal shockwave treatment retarded their somatic growth, whereas in the control group, which received same treatment, there was no significant growth delay. Renal morphologic damages, such as interstitial hemorrhages, were more prominent in the hypertensive group than in the normotensive controls.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results clearly showed that spontaneous hypertensive rats were more prone to shockwave induced renal injury. Careful noting of a family history of hypertension, and the proper antihypertensive treatment, are necessary steps to prevent or reduce possible complications.