Age-associated changes in the kidney of the laboratory mouse
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I Davies1, A P Fotheringham, B E Faragher
1University of Manchester, Department of Geriatric Medicine.
Abstract:
This paper describes a qualitative and quantitative morphological investigation of the kidneys of male laboratory mice without macroscopic pathology at 6, 12, 24 and 34 months of age. In the 6- and 12-month old adults there were no signs of microscopic pathological changes in either the kidney cortex or medulla. However, at 24 and 34 months of age minor pathology, such as focal interstitial inflammation, was detected. In both these age groups there were a few glomeruli with sclerotic changes. There were no significant differences in the total volume of the kidneys, cortex, medulla or other structures with age. There was a significant increase in the diameter of the glomeruli with age but no change in the total numbers of glomeruli. The increase in volume of the glomerulus appears to be due to cellular components rather than changes in the blood vessels. It is concluded that in animals without macroscopic pathological changes there are only minor alterations in kidney structure with age, and that any alterations which do take place occur very late in the life span.
Insights
Kidney structure in aging mice shows minimal changes, with minor pathology appearing late in life. Glomeruli diameter increases with age, but overall kidney volume remains stable in healthy mice.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Gerontology
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Aging is associated with progressive organ damage.
- Kidney aging research often focuses on pathological conditions, overlooking changes in healthy aging models.
- Understanding age-related kidney changes in healthy individuals is crucial for baseline data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive morphological analysis of male laboratory mouse kidneys across different age groups.
- To identify age-related microscopic changes in kidney cortex and medulla.
- To investigate alterations in glomerular structure and kidney volume with advancing age.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative and quantitative morphological investigation of mouse kidneys.
- Histopathological examination of kidney cortex and medulla at 6, 12, 24, and 34 months of age.
- Measurement of kidney, cortex, medulla, and glomerular volumes and diameters.
Main Results:
- No microscopic pathological changes were observed in 6- and 12-month-old mice.
- Minor pathology, including focal interstitial inflammation and glomerular sclerosis, emerged in 24- and 34-month-old mice.
- Kidney and its structural volumes did not significantly change with age, but glomerular diameter increased significantly due to cellular components.
Conclusions:
- Healthy aging mice exhibit only minor kidney structural alterations, primarily occurring late in life.
- Glomerular hypertrophy, not hyperplasia, characterizes kidney aging in this model.
- These findings provide insights into the normal aging process of kidneys in a controlled experimental setting.