The effects of ileocystoplasty on the development of renal failure in a rat model 5/6 nephrectomy

We examined the effects of ileocystoplasty on renal function and bone mineral content in 160 juvenile male Wistar-Furth rats with and without renal insufficiency induced by 5/6 nephrectomy. At intervals up to 20 weeks blood, bone and kidney samples were obtained with the animals under anesthesia and then they were sacrificed. Serum parameters of renal function and calcium metabolism were measured. Samples of bone were analyzed for calcium, magnesium and phosphorus content. At 20 weeks after 5/6 nephrectomy renal function was decreased by approximately half. The decrease in renal function and the changes in renal histology were identical in animals with and without ileocystoplasty. Bone mineral content in the animals with renal insufficiency with or without ileocystoplasty was not different from sham operated animals or from animals with an ileocystoplasty and normal renal function. These studies demonstrate that ileocystoplasty per se does not hasten the progression to renal failure or produce bone demineralization in rats having moderate renal insufficiency.