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Altered clinical and histological features of male MM mouse pyelonephritis associated with a change in its
D M Taylor1, H Fraser, M E Bruce
1AFRC & MRC Neuropathogenesis Unit, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Radical changes in the clinical, microbiological and histological features of spontaneous pyelonephritis in MM male mice occurred when they were transferred to a new environment after Caesarean derivation. Although the incidence of pyelonephritis remained the same, the survival age was increased. The renal histology indicated a shift to a more chronic form of pyelonephritis with renal amyloidosis as a common feature. At autopsy much more renal scarring was seen, resulting in the 'shrunken' kidney typical of chronic pyelonephritis. Renal lymphocytic accumulations were commonly found in MM mice, but they were also seen frequently in C57BL mice and in germfree stocks of both strains: no association was found between these lesions and pyelonephritis.
Insights
Environmental changes altered pyelonephritis in mice. While infection rates stayed constant, mice lived longer, developing chronic kidney disease with scarring and amyloidosis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Spontaneous pyelonephritis in male MM mice is a model for studying kidney infections.
- Environmental factors can influence disease progression and host response.
- Caesarean derivation and subsequent transfer to a new environment represent significant environmental shifts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of environmental changes on the clinical, microbiological, and histological features of pyelonephritis in MM mice.
- To assess how these changes affect disease incidence, survival, and pathological outcomes.
Main Methods:
- MM male mice underwent Caesarean derivation and were transferred to a new environment.
- Monitoring of pyelonephritis incidence, survival rates, and clinical signs.
- Renal histology and autopsy were performed to evaluate pathological changes, including scarring and amyloidosis.
Main Results:
- Environmental transfer did not alter pyelonephritis incidence but increased survival age.
- Renal histology revealed a shift towards chronic pyelonephritis with increased renal scarring and amyloidosis.
- Renal lymphocytic accumulations were observed but not associated with pyelonephritis.
Conclusions:
- Environmental changes can significantly modify the course of spontaneous pyelonephritis in MM mice.
- The new environment promoted a chronic disease phenotype with increased renal damage and amyloidosis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these environmental influences on kidney disease.