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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Mouse Kidney Transplantation: Models of Allograft Rejection
Published on: October 11, 2014
Cyclosporin induced effects on foetal kidney in albino mice
1Department of Anatomy, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Background:
Cyclosporin A (CsA) is an immunosuppressive agent which is used to prevent graft rejection and to treat autoimmune disorders. Its teratogenic effects remain unexplored despite its extensive use even during pregnancy. Current study was, therefore, undertaken to investigate the effects of CsA on the developing kidney.
Methods:
Twelve pregnant mice were divided into two groups, A and B, having six animals each. Cyclosporin was freshly prepared in normal saline daily and administered subcutaneously by a single dose of 50 mg/kg in the morning to experimental group B during pregnancy from day 0 to day 18. The control group A was given comparable volume of normal saline only. The pregnant mice were sacrificed at the end of experimental period. The foetal kidneys were dissected and fixed in 10% formalin for histological preparations.
Results:
The results showed that weight of the foetuses and their kidneys exposed to CsA was consistently reduced. The mean weight of the foetuses exposed to CsA was 1.34 +/- 0.08 g as compared to 1.48 +/- 0.18 g in the control group whereas the mean kidney weight from CsA treated group was 9.47 +/- 0.27 mg when compared to the control having 10.79 +/- 0.53 mg. Morphometric analysis revealed reduction in total number of glomeruli and hypertrophy of remaining glomeruli. The total number of glomeruli/mm2 in the kidneys from CsA treated group was 26.85 +/- 4.43 as compared to 41.33 +/- 3.66 from the control group and the mean diameter of glomeruli from the foetuses of groups A and B was 7.11 +/- 0.47 mm and 8.66 +/- 0.63 mm respectively; the differences between the groups A and B of the animals on all the parameters above were statistically significant (p < 0.000).
Conclusion:
The results of the investigation indicated that CsA administration to the pregnant dams produced deleterious effects of on the developing kidney in mice. On the analogy of the results, comparable effects of CsA are expected in case of human; this, however, needs further investigations.
Insights
Cyclosporin A (CsA) exposure during pregnancy significantly harmed developing mouse kidneys, reducing fetal weight and kidney size. Histological analysis revealed fewer glomeruli and enlarged remaining ones, indicating CsA
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a vital immunosuppressant for preventing organ rejection and treating autoimmune diseases.
- Its potential teratogenic effects, especially during pregnancy, are largely unexamined.
- This study investigates CsA's impact on fetal kidney development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of Cyclosporin A (CsA) on the developing kidneys of mouse fetuses.
- To assess changes in fetal and kidney weight, glomerular number, and glomerular size following in utero CsA exposure.
- To provide insights into the potential teratogenic risks of CsA during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant mice were divided into a control group (saline) and an experimental group (CsA, 50 mg/kg/day).
- Treatment was administered subcutaneously from day 0 to day 18 of gestation.
- Fetal kidneys were collected at term for histological and morphometric analysis.
Main Results:
- CsA-exposed fetuses and their kidneys exhibited significantly reduced mean weights compared to controls.
- Morphometric analysis showed a significant decrease in the total number of glomeruli per unit area in CsA-exposed kidneys.
- The remaining glomeruli in the CsA group were hypertrophied, with a statistically significant difference in mean diameter compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Administration of CsA to pregnant dams resulted in adverse effects on fetal kidney development in mice.
- These findings suggest potential risks of CsA exposure during human pregnancy, warranting further investigation.
- The study highlights the need for careful consideration of CsA use in pregnant individuals.
