Abstract
Attenuating progressive fibrosis is fundamental to preventing chronic kidney disease and, ultimately, end-stage kidney disease. Lithium, an important agent for treating mood disorders is associated with adverse kidney effects. These include nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), changes to cellular morphology with cystic dilation of the distal tubules and irreversible chronic interstitial fibrosis in the long term.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is reversible with co-administration of amiloride, which inhibits the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). It is unclear whether amiloride also reduces fibrosis. Therefore, we have investigated this question using animal models.