Objectives:Contrast media (CM) is a major cause of nephropathy in high-risk patients. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of carnitine in advanced nephrotoxicity due to CM administration in rats with glycerol-induced renal functional disorder.Methods:Forty rats were divided randomly into five groups (n=8): 1) healthy group; 2) glycerol only (GLY); 3) glycerol and CM (GLY+CM); 4) glycerol, CM, and 200mg/kg carnitine (CAR200); and 5) glycerol, CM, and 400mg/kg carnitine (CAR400). Kidney injury was induced with a single-dose, intramuscular injection of 10 ml/kg body weight (b.w.) of GLY. CAR was administered intraperitoneally. CM (8 ml/kg b.w. iohexol) was infused via the tail vein to the rats in groups 3, 4, and 5.Results:L-carnitine administration significantly decreased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione activity increased significantly in the treatment groups compared to the nephrotoxic groups. CAR400 significantly reduced malondialdehyde le...