Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of cyclosporin-induced chronic nephrotoxicity and the preventive effects of salvia compound.MethodsThirty adult male rats were randomly allocated into 3 groups.Group A received olive oil as control.The rats in group B received cyclosporin A(CsA)and glucose injection.The rats in group C received CsA and compound salvia injection.The amounts of urine in 24 hours and renal function were measured before and after the drugs were given.The levels of plasma renin activity(PRA),plasma angiotension II(Ang II)and Aldosterone(ALD)were also measured after the rats were given CsA and compound salvia injection for 28 days,and also the changes of renal tissues were assessed by histological examination.ResultsCsA can induce the decrease of glomerular filtration rate(GFR),increase the excretion of n-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase(NA G)in urine,and increase the levels of PRA and Ang Ⅱ in blood obviously,and induce the tubulointerstitial fibrosis and the injury of renal arterioles.But salvia compound can decrease the levels of PRA and Ang Ⅱ,improve the function of kidneys and the pathological changes.There was not significant difference in ALD levels among 3 groups.ConclusionCyclosporin-induced chronic nephrotoxicity may be related to the activation of renin-angiotensin system(RAS),especially to the increase of AngⅡlevels.Salvia compound can decrease the levels of PRA and Ang Ⅱ,and have preventive effects on chronic nephrotoxicity.