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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Mouse Model of Acute to Chronic Kidney Disease Transition Induced by Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Published on: February 10, 2026
Histological examination of the kidney after experimental administration of MK-801 and dexamethasone
Joanna Sekita-Krzak1, Józef Visconti, Zbigniew Wójtowicz
1Department of Histology and Embryology with the Laboratory for Experimental Cytology, Skubiszewski Medical University of Lublin.
Abstract:
The aim of the research was histological assessment of the influence of MK-801 (NMDA receptor antagonist) and dexamethasone on the kidney. The experiment was carried out on adult Albino-Swiss mouse males. MK-801 was administered in the dose of 0.3 mg/kg/24 h for 8 days, dexamethasone--in the toxic dose of 120 mg/kg/24 h. Kidney slices stained with hematoxylin and eosin and with PAS method were examined with light microscope. The performed experiments revealed that MK-801 causes morphological changes in the shape of slight narrowing of the urinary spaces in renal corpuscles and narrowing of the lumen of the proximal convoluted tubules and dexamethasone administered in toxic doses causes dilatation of these spaces with kidney's hyperemia. MK-801 intensifies morphological changes of the kidney induced by toxic doses of dexamethasone.
Insights
MK-801 (NMDA receptor antagonist) and toxic dexamethasone cause kidney damage in mice. MK-801 worsens dexamethasone-induced kidney morphological changes, highlighting potential nephrotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Histopathology
Background:
- The NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 and the corticosteroid dexamethasone have known physiological effects.
- Understanding their individual and combined impact on kidney tissue is crucial for assessing potential toxicities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To histologically evaluate the effects of MK-801 and dexamethasone on mouse kidney morphology.
- To determine if MK-801 exacerbates dexamethasone-induced kidney damage.
Main Methods:
- Adult male Albino-Swiss mice were administered MK-801 (0.3 mg/kg/24 h for 8 days) and toxic dexamethasone (120 mg/kg/24 h).
- Kidney slices were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and the PAS method.
- Histological examination was performed using light microscopy.
Main Results:
- MK-801 induced slight narrowing of urinary spaces and proximal convoluted tubule lumens.
- Toxic dexamethasone caused dilatation of these spaces and kidney hyperemia.
- MK-801 intensified the morphological changes in the kidney caused by toxic dexamethasone.
Conclusions:
- Both MK-801 and toxic dexamethasone induce distinct morphological changes in the mouse kidney.
- MK-801 potentiates the nephrotoxic effects of dexamethasone, indicating a synergistic adverse impact.
