Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
A Modified Two Kidney One Clip Mouse Model of Renin Regulation in Renal Artery Stenosis
Published on: October 26, 2020
Estrogen receptors in the kidney: lessons from genetically altered mice
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. phlane@unmc.edu
Background:
Sex differences in human and animal models of kidney disease suggest that estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated events may modulate these processes. Genetically altered mice lacking one or both ERs provide a powerful tool to study these phenomena.
Objective:
This article examines sex differences in the kidney, particularly the role of ERs.
Methods:
To identify pertinent studies in genetically altered mice, a literature search was conducted on the MEDLINE database from January 1966 to July 2007, using the search terms estrogen receptor, kidney, and mice. Our group examined the effect of the ER-alpha knockout genotype on the kidney in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus and compensatory kidney growth after uninephrectomy.
Results:
Female mice lacking ERa had reduced renal growth, including glomerular enlargement after 2 weeks of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus and compensatory kidney growth 48 hours after uninephrectomy.
Conclusion:
ER-mediated events influence kidney growth and disease in female mice.
Insights
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERa) influences kidney growth in female mice. Lacking ERa reduced kidney size and glomerular enlargement in diabetes and after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Sex differences in kidney disease suggest a role for estrogen receptors (ERs).
- Genetically modified mice lacking ERs are valuable tools for studying these effects.
- Estrogen receptor-mediated pathways may influence renal processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex differences in the kidney.
- To examine the specific role of estrogen receptors (ERs) in renal function and disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE (1966-2007) using terms: estrogen receptor, kidney, mice.
- Analysis of ER-alpha knockout mice.
- Evaluation of kidney changes in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus.
- Assessment of compensatory kidney growth following uninephrectomy.
Main Results:
- Female mice lacking ER-alpha exhibited reduced renal growth.
- Glomerular enlargement was diminished in ER-alpha knockout mice with diabetes.
- Compensatory kidney growth was impaired in female mice without ER-alpha after uninephrectomy.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen receptor-mediated events significantly impact kidney growth in female mice.
- ER-alpha plays a crucial role in modulating renal responses to diabetes and injury.
- These findings highlight the importance of estrogen signaling in kidney health and disease.
