Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 4, 2025
Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Model for Investigating Kidney Interstitial Fibrosis
Published on: April 25, 2025
Mouse Models of Kidney Fibrosis
Rafael Kramann1,2, Sylvia Menzel3
1Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany. rkramann@gmx.net.
Abstract:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 10% of the worldwide population and kidney fibrosis is a main driver of CKD and considered a therapeutic target. The mechanisms leading to kidney fibrosis are highly complexed and can be best studied in rodent models. Here we describe the most commonly used kidney fibrosis models in mice, the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model and the ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) model. Both models are easy to learn and can be applied in animals of different age, sex, and strain.
Insights
Kidney fibrosis, a key driver of chronic kidney disease (CKD), is studied using mouse models. This work details the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) models for fibrosis research.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pathology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts over 10% globally.
- Kidney fibrosis is a primary driver of CKD progression and a therapeutic target.
- Understanding fibrosis mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe commonly used mouse models for studying kidney fibrosis.
- To provide insights into the application of these models in research.
Main Methods:
- Detailed description of the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model in mice.
- Detailed description of the ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) model in mice.
- Discussion of model applicability across different animal ages, sexes, and strains.
Main Results:
- The UUO and IRI models are presented as accessible methods for inducing kidney fibrosis.
- These models are versatile and can be applied to various mouse demographics.
- The study provides a foundational guide for researchers utilizing these specific fibrosis models.
Conclusions:
- The UUO and IRI models are valuable and practical tools for investigating kidney fibrosis.
- These models facilitate the study of complex fibrotic mechanisms in CKD.
- Researchers can readily implement these established rodent models for preclinical studies.
