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Citrate therapy for polycystic kidney disease in rats

G A Tanner1, J A Tanner

  • 1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. gtanner@iupui.edu

Kidney International
|October 24, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Potassium citrate (KCitr) treatment in rats with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD) preserved glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and extended lifespan. This study investigated citrate and ammonia handling in PKD kidneys.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Biochemistry
  • Animal Models

Background:

  • Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD) leads to renal failure with limited treatment options.
  • A previous study showed potassium citrate plus citric acid (KCitr) prevented glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decline in young rats with PKD.
  • This study aimed to assess the sustained effect of KCitr and explore renal citrate and ammonia metabolism in PKD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if early KCitr treatment sustains GFR preservation in rats with PKD.
  • To investigate the renal handling of citrate and ammonia in normal versus cystic kidneys.
  • To evaluate the impact of KCitr on the survival rate of rats with PKD.

Main Methods:

  • Rats with PKD were administered tap water or various citrate solutions for drinking.
  • Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and survival studies were conducted.
  • Plasma and renal citrate levels, citrate consumption, and ammonia synthesis/excretion were measured.

Main Results:

  • Long-term KCitr treatment maintained normal GFR in rats with PKD and extended average lifespan from 10 to 17 months.
  • Rats with PKD showed altered citrate and ammonia handling, including higher plasma/renal citrate and lower citrate consumption/ammonia synthesis.
  • Alkalinizing citrate salts (Na3 citrate or K3 citrate) prevented GFR decline, but ammonium citrate did not.

Conclusions:

  • Rats with PKD exhibit abnormal renal citrate and ammonia metabolism.
  • Alkalinizing citrate salts are effective in preserving GFR and extending survival in a rat model of PKD.
  • Citrate supplementation represents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing PKD progression.
Abstract

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