Onset and evolution of nephropathy in rats with spontaneous diabetes mellitus

The occurrence of renal diabetic complications was studied in diabetic nonobese IIM/FmeSS (eSS) rats. The results were compared with eumetabolic Wistar rats paired by sex and age. Between 6 and 12 months of age, eSS male rats had higher fructosamine values and glucose intolerance as well as increasing proteinuria and uremia. Enhancement in water, calcium and phosphorus fractional excretion with a concomitant lower sodium excretion, was observed from 12 months of age on. 18- and 21-month-old eSS rats exhibited fasting hyperglycaemia and rising values of fructosamine, glucose intolerance and glycosuria. Simultaneously, a notorious worsening of proteinuria as well as alterations in glomerular filtration were verified. Optic microscopy of 12-month-old eSS rat kidneys showed areas of tubular dilatation with protein cylinders. In 21-month-old eSS animals, kidneys appeared overtly damaged. Increased capsular, glomerular and Henle's thin loop diameters were verified in 12- and 21-month-old eSS rats. Glomeruli showed diffuse hypertrophy of mesangial tissue and thickening of the basement membrane. Areas of markedly atrophic and dilated tubules containing acidophilic proteinaceous material were observed. At age of 21 months, kidneys of eumetabolic Wistar control rats presented foci of interstitial and pielic inflammatory infiltrates.