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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
5/6th Nephrectomy in Combination with High Salt Diet and Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition to Induce Chronic Kidney Disease in the Lewis Rat
Published on: July 3, 2013
[L-arginine and nitric oxide have effects on glomerulus hyperperfusion of early diabetic rats]
Abstract:
We used streptozotocin (STZ) to induce the animal model of diabetes mellitus in rats. On the 7th and 14th days of induction, kidney disorder, the levels of NO3- in plasma and tissue homogenate in different periods were observed. The NO3- levels in relation to the application of L-arginine (L-Arg) were also noted. The results showed that the kidney weight/body weight ratio significantly increased in different periods (P < 0.05). On the 7th day profuse proteinuria appeared and it markedly increased on the 14th day: creatinine clearance rate (Ccr) significantly raised, too (P < 0.005). The NO3- levels in plasma and tissue homogenate were getting higher with time. The level of NO3- significantly increased after L-Arg was perfused. It indicated that kidney disorder was present at the early stage of diabetes, and the raised Ccr indirectly indicated the increase of glomerular filtration rate. These suggest that NO3- and L-Arg may be important mediums which have effects of hyperfiltration and hyperperfusion of glomerulus.
Insights
Diabetic kidney disorder appears early, indicated by increased kidney weight and proteinuria. Nitric oxide (NO3-) and L-arginine (L-Arg) may drive early hyperfiltration and hyperperfusion in diabetic nephropathy.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder with significant renal complications.
- Early detection of diabetic nephropathy is crucial for effective management.
- Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats is a widely used model for studying diabetic kidney disease.
Purpose:
- To investigate early kidney changes in a rat model of diabetes mellitus.
- To assess the role of nitric oxide (NO3-) and L-arginine (L-Arg) in early diabetic kidney dysfunction.
- To correlate changes in NO3- and L-Arg levels with indicators of kidney damage and function.
Summary:
- STZ-induced diabetes in rats showed increased kidney weight/body weight ratio and proteinuria by day 7, worsening by day 14.
- Creatinine clearance rate (Ccr) significantly increased, indicating elevated glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
- Plasma and tissue NO3- levels rose over time and increased further after L-arginine (L-Arg) administration, suggesting their involvement.
Impact:
- This study highlights early kidney disorder in diabetes, preceding significant functional decline.
- Findings suggest NO3- and L-Arg play a role in the hyperfiltration and hyperperfusion characteristic of early diabetic nephropathy.
- Provides insights into potential therapeutic targets for managing early-stage diabetic kidney disease.
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