Effect of inhibition of aldose reductase on glucose flux, diacylglycerol formation, protein kinase C, and phospholipase A(2) activation

Abstract

Activation of the polyol pathway under hyperglycemic conditions is proposed to contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy. The mechanisms by which this activation may lead to functional and structural changes within the kidney are yet to be definitively established. We have examined in vitro the steps linking increased polyol pathway activity resulting from hyperglycemia to prostaglandin production. Following the demonstration of increased prostaglandin E (PGE) levels in glomeruli from diabetic rats (14.9 +/- 2.5 v 59.1 +/- 19.4 ng PGE/mg protein), a specific inhibitor of aldose reductase, HOE-843, was used in vitro to analyze the response to hyperglycemia of the steps preceding p..