Abstract: The aim was to observe the change of endothelin(ET) and calcitonin gene—re lated peptide (CGR P) in patients suffering chronic nephritis in the decompensated stage of renal d ysfunction and their relationship with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and in o rde r to elucidate the significace of their changes. The plasmer and urine ET and CG RP levels were assessed with radioimmunoassay in 36 patients with chronic nephri tis and correlation analysis. The plasma and urine ET were (72.45±20.65)ng/L, (23.72±5.18)ng/L, CGRP were (90.01±29.77)ng/L, (58.33±22.53)ng/L, respecti vely in chronic nephritis, they were significantly higher than those in normal c ontrols(P<0.01). Positive correlation was found between plasma and urine ET (r=0. 341, P<0.05), CGRP(r=0.516, P< 0.001). Positive correlation exist ed between p lasma ET and CGRP(r=0.573, P<0.001). Negative correlation lied in betwe en ET in p lasma and urine and GFR(r=-0.593, P<0.001. r=-0.330, P<0.01). Po sitive correlation existed between CGRP and GFR in plasma and urine(r=0.392 、0.412, P<0.01). In patients with chronic nephritis in the decompensated stage of r enal dysfunction, the change of ET and CGRP in plasma and urine may play a role in progress in some degree.

Key words: chronic nephritis, endothelin, calcitonin gene related peptide, glomerular filtration rate