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Published on: July 3, 2013
Effect of unilateral nephrectomy on renal function of diabetic rats
G S Lopes1, C C S Lemos, C A Mandarim-De-Lacerda
1Nephrology Division, Pedro Ernesto Hospital, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Abstract:
Glomerular alterations of experimental diabetes mellitus are observed in animals submitted to a reduction in renal mass, suggesting that some mechanisms responsible for the progression of renal disease are common. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nephrectomy on the renal function and morphology of diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control (C), n=8; diabetic (DM), n=8; non-diabetic nephrectomized (Nx), n=8; (DMNx), n=9. DM was induced by streptozotocin (65 mg/Kg), and animals were treated with insulin. After 12 weeks, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were evaluated in unanaesthetized animals. Glomerular volume (GV), glomerular sclerosis index (GSI), mesangial volume density (Vvmes) and glomerular capillary surface density (Svcap) were also evaluated. Results show that kidney weight increased in Nx groups, being higher in DMNx. GFR was higher in Nx groups as was RPF, being higher in DMNx. RVR was lower in Nx groups, especially in DMNx. MAP was not different among the groups. RPF and GFR showed a high correlation for the DMNx group (r=0.95, p=0.02). The DMNx group showed a correlation between RVR and GFR (r=-0.96, p=0.005). The GV increased in Nx groups, and the GSI was higher in DMNx. Vvmes and Svcap increased in DMNx group. In summary, Nx groups developed similar degrees of glomerular hypertrophy, but only DMNx showed an increased value for GSI. The present data suggest that the acceleration of glomerular lesions in DMNx animals was more closely associated to hemodynamic adaptations than to glomerular hypertrophy.
Insights
Reducing kidney mass in diabetic rats accelerated glomerular lesions, primarily due to hemodynamic changes rather than hypertrophy. This suggests shared mechanisms in progressive kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Diabetology
- Experimental Pathology
Background:
- Experimental diabetes mellitus can cause glomerular alterations.
- Reduction in renal mass may share mechanisms with diabetic kidney disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of nephrectomy (Nx) on renal function and morphology in diabetic rats (DMNx).
Main Methods:
- Four groups of Wistar rats were used: control, diabetic (DM), nephrectomized (Nx), and diabetic nephrectomized (DMNx).
- Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin, and animals received insulin treatment.
- Renal function (GFR, RPF, MAP) and glomerular morphology (GV, GSI, Vvmes, Svcap) were assessed after 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- Nephrectomy increased kidney weight, glomerular volume, GFR, and RPF, with the greatest increases in the DMNx group.
- The DMNx group exhibited a higher glomerular sclerosis index (GSI) compared to other groups.
- Hemodynamic adaptations, particularly reduced renal vascular resistance (RVR), correlated strongly with GFR in DMNx rats.
Conclusions:
- Nephrectomy in diabetic rats leads to glomerular hypertrophy and accelerated sclerosis.
- Hemodynamic adaptations appear to be more critical than glomerular hypertrophy in driving accelerated glomerular lesions in DMNx animals.
