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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
A Modified Two Kidney One Clip Mouse Model of Renin Regulation in Renal Artery Stenosis
Published on: October 26, 2020
cDNA microarray analysis of adaptive changes after renal ablation in a sclerosis-resistant mouse strain
Brigitta Rumberger1, Oliver Vonend, Clemens Kreutz
1Renal Division, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Background:
5/6 nephrectomy (Nx) in susceptible animals causes glomerular sclerosis and interstitial fibrosis in the remnant kidney. Oxidative stress, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and the de novo synthesis of collagen seem to contribute to this process. However, these factors might also be required for tissue repair without fibrosis.
Methods:
We examined dynamic changes after nephron loss in a mouse strain capable of complete recovery. C57BL/6 mice underwent single-session Nx and were followed for 40 weeks. Gene expression was monitored over 20 days using 22,000 cDNA microarrays.
Results:
The mice developed transient hypertension and glomerular hypertrophy after Nx but failed to progress to glomerular sclerosis or renal failure. Gene expression profiles revealed three stages of recovery, an early phase of injury response, an intermediate phase of extracellular matrix (ECM) production and a later phase of reconstitution. Surprisingly, oxidative stress responses and collagen production were strongly upregulated soon after Nx. Furthermore, TGF-beta(1) and connective tissue growth factor were rapidly upregulated and remained elevated.
Conclusion:
We suggest that oxidative stress, collagen production, profibrotic growth factors and ECM turnover are part of the comprehensive adaptation to nephron loss and not necessarily associated with progressive loss of renal function.
Insights
In mice with reduced kidney mass, oxidative stress and collagen production are key to adaptation, not fibrosis. These factors facilitate kidney repair without progressive renal failure.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Renal Physiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx) can cause kidney damage like glomerular sclerosis and fibrosis.
- Oxidative stress, TGF-beta, and collagen synthesis are implicated in this damage, but may also aid repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic changes and recovery processes following nephron loss in a mouse model.
- To understand the role of oxidative stress, growth factors, and collagen in renal adaptation.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6 mice underwent 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx).
- Gene expression was analyzed over 20 days using cDNA microarrays.
- Mice were observed for 40 weeks to assess recovery and renal function.
Main Results:
- Mice experienced transient hypertension and glomerular hypertrophy but no sclerosis or failure.
- Gene expression showed three recovery phases: injury response, ECM production, and reconstitution.
- Oxidative stress, collagen production, TGF-beta(1), and connective tissue growth factor were rapidly upregulated post-Nx.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that oxidative stress, collagen production, profibrotic factors, and ECM turnover are integral to kidney adaptation after nephron loss.
- These processes may represent a comprehensive repair mechanism rather than indicators of progressive renal dysfunction.
