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Age-related morphological changes in kidneys of SPF C57BL/6Cr mice maintained under controlled conditions
Akira Yabuki1, Mitsuharu Matsumoto, Hayao Nishinakagawa
1Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
Abstract:
Age-related morphological changes were examined in the kidneys of inbred C57BL/6Cr mice maintained in a controlled environment. The specific pathogen free status of animals used in the present study was confirmed by microbiological monitoring. Kidneys were histologically and histometrically investigated at 3, 5, 12, 15, 24 and 27-months-old. Kidney weights did not change with age. Renal corpuscles increased in number at 24- and 27-months-old, but diameter remained constant. The percentage of renal corpuscles with a cuboidal glomerular capsule decreased at 24- and 27-months-old. Score indicating glomerular damage increased from 5- to 27-months-old. Changes to the proximal convoluted tubules were severe. Vacuolar degeneration was observed from 12-months-old. Tubular atrophy was observed at 24- and 27-months-old, with number of nuclei per unit area increasing at the same ages. Amyloidosis and scar lesions were observed at 27-months-old. Focal cell infiltration around vessels was found at 24- and 27-months-old. Electron microscopy at 27-months-old revealed expansion of the mesangial matrices and fusion of foot processes in the glomeruli. Enlarged lysosomes with lipid content were observed in the proximal convoluted tubules.
Insights
Aging mice show significant kidney damage, including glomerular and tubular changes, amyloidosis, and inflammation. These age-related kidney alterations highlight the impact of aging on renal morphology and function.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Gerontology
- Pathology
Background:
- Aging is associated with progressive decline in kidney function.
- Understanding age-related kidney changes is crucial for developing interventions.
- Murine models are valuable for studying kidney aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related morphological and histometric changes in mouse kidneys.
- To document kidney alterations across different age points in C57BL/6Cr mice.
- To provide a detailed histological and ultrastructural analysis of kidney aging.
Main Methods:
- Histological and histometric analysis of mouse kidneys at 3, 5, 12, 15, 24, and 27 months of age.
- Microbiological monitoring to confirm specific pathogen-free status.
- Electron microscopy to examine glomerular and tubular ultrastructure.
Main Results:
- Kidney weight remained constant with age.
- Increased renal corpuscle number and decreased cuboidal glomerular capsule percentage observed in older mice.
- Progressive glomerular damage, vacuolar degeneration, tubular atrophy, amyloidosis, and scar lesions were noted with age.
- Ultrastructural changes included mesangial matrix expansion, foot process fusion, and lipid-laden lysosomes in tubules.
Conclusions:
- Aging induces significant morphological and pathological changes in mouse kidneys.
- These changes include alterations in glomerular structure and severe tubular degeneration.
- The study provides a comprehensive description of kidney aging in C57BL/6Cr mice.