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Updated: May 16, 2026
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Use of Ultra-high Field MRI in Small Rodent Models of Polycystic Kidney Disease for In Vivo Phenotyping and Drug Monitoring
Published on: June 23, 2015
Polycystic kidneys have decreased vascular density: a micro-CT study
Rende Xu1, Federico Franchi, Brent Miller
1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Microcirculation (New York, N.Y. : 1994)
|November 22, 2012
Summary
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) impairs renal vascular architecture, leading to reduced microvascular density and altered kidney function. Targeting the PKD microvasculature may offer therapeutic benefits for patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Vascular Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a leading cause of end-stage renal failure.
- Vascular dysfunction and hypertension are common in PKD patients.
- The impact of PKD on microvascular structure remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the renovascular structure in polycystic kidney disease.
- To determine if abnormal microvascular architecture is associated with PKD.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the PCK rat model of PKD and age-matched controls.
- Assessed mean arterial pressure, renal blood flow, and creatinine clearance.
- Employed micro-computed tomography for microvascular architecture analysis and quantified angiogenic factors.
Main Results:
- PKD rats exhibited increased mean arterial pressure and decreased creatinine clearance.
- A significant reduction in microvascular density in both renal cortex and medulla was observed in PKD animals.
- PKD was associated with increased glomerular diameter, renal fibrosis, and decreased expression of key angiogenic factors.
Conclusions:
- PKD is characterized by impaired renal vascular architecture.
- These microvascular alterations have significant functional consequences.
- The renal microvasculature in PKD presents a potential therapeutic target.
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