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Updated: May 29, 2026
Ischemia-reperfusion Model of Acute Kidney Injury and Post Injury Fibrosis in Mice
Published on: August 9, 2013
Glomerular injury induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of Shiga-like toxins
R Koshi1, A B Pulimood, A Date
1Department of Anatomy, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India.
Background And Objectives:
Shiga-like toxins I and II (Stx1 and Stx2) play an important role in the pathogenesis of renal disease by causing renal microvascular injury. A murine model was used to study glomerular lesions produced by Stx1 and Stx2.
Methods:
Swiss albino mice of the Rockefeller strain were inoculated intraperitoneally with LD(50) doses of endotoxin-free Stx1 of Stx2 and observed for signs of disease. Samples of renal cortical tissue from mice were examined with the electron microscope.
Results:
the mice developed systemic and neurological symptoms including hind limb paralysis and generalised convulsions. Renal arteriolar damage and glomerular endothelial cytoplasmic swelling, vacuolation, lysis and intravascular coagulation were present and resembled the microangiopathy seen in renal biopsies from patients.
Interpretation And Conclusions:
these experiments establish the role of Stx1 and Stx2 in glomerular vascular injury and provide a model for studying the pathogenesis of Shiga-like toxin related microangiopathy.
Insights
Shiga-like toxins I and II (Stx1 and Stx2) cause kidney damage by injuring renal microvasculature. This study in mice demonstrates Stx1 and Stx2 induce glomerular lesions, providing a model for toxin-related kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Toxicology
- Pathology
Background:
- Shiga-like toxins I and II (Stx1 and Stx2) are implicated in renal disease pathogenesis.
- These toxins induce renal microvascular injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate glomerular lesions caused by Stx1 and Stx2.
- To establish a murine model for studying Shiga-like toxin-related microangiopathy.
Main Methods:
- Swiss albino mice were inoculated with LD(50) doses of endotoxin-free Stx1 or Stx2.
- Renal cortical tissues were examined using electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Mice exhibited systemic and neurological symptoms, including paralysis and convulsions.
- Renal arteriolar damage and glomerular endothelial injury (swelling, vacuolation, lysis, intravascular coagulation) were observed.
- These findings mimic microangiopathy seen in human renal biopsies.
Conclusions:
- Stx1 and Stx2 play a significant role in glomerular vascular injury.
- This study provides a valuable model for investigating the pathogenesis of Shiga-like toxin-induced microangiopathy.
