Adriamycin nephropathy: a model to study effects of pregnancy on renal disease in rats

The influence of pregnancy on the evolution of primary renal disease is still a matter of controversy. Hypertension and derangement of renal function may occur. The pathophysiology of these complications is poorly understood. In the present study, we assessed the influence of pregnancy on the evolution of adriamycin (Adr) nephropathy. Four groups of animals were studied: 1) control virgin rats (C), 2) normal pregnant rats (NP), 3) virgin rats with nephropathy (Adr), and 4) pregnant rats with nephropathy (Adr-P). Inulin clearance measured at the end of pregnancy in awake rats was similar in NP (1.68 +/- 0.20 ml/min) and C (1.39 +/- 0.03 ml/min). In Adr-P rats, it tended to decrease (1.22 +/- 0.7 vs. 1.93 +/- 0.44 ml/min in Adr rats). Mean arterial pressure was increased in Adr-P rats (137 +/- 2.5 vs. 95 +/- 3.2 mmHg in NP; P < 0.001). Urinary protein excretion was 216 +/- 61 mg/day in Adr-P compared with 28.7 +/- 18 mg/day in Adr (P < 0.001). A significant increase in the glomerular thromboxane B2-to-prostaglandin E2 ratio was found in Adr-P rats (1.15 +/- 0.26 vs. 0.52 +/- 0.12 in Adr rats; P < 0.03). In NP rats, no change was observed. Kidneys and placentas were normal on light and electron microscopy. Thus pregnant rats with adriamycin nephropathy developed a clinical picture with several features of preeclampsia. Changes in glomerular prostanoid synthesis might play a role in the development of this complication.