Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2025
Use of 3D Robotic Ultrasound for In Vivo Analysis of Mouse Kidneys
Published on: August 12, 2021
A 3D In Vivo Model for Studying Human Renal Cystic Tissue and Mouse Kidney Slices
Eva-Marie Bichlmayer1, Lina Mahl1, Leo Hesse1
1Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
Abstract:
(1) Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a frequent monogenic disorder that leads to progressive renal cyst growth and renal failure. Strategies to inhibit cyst growth in non-human cyst models have often failed in clinical trials. There is a significant need for models that enable studies of human cyst growth and drug trials. (2) Methods: Renal tissue from ADPKD patients who received a nephrectomy as well as adult mouse kidney slices were cultured on a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) for one week. The cyst volume was monitored by microscopic and CT-based applications. The weight and angiogenesis were quantified. Morphometric and histological analyses were performed after the removal of the tissues from the CAM. (3) Results: The mouse and human renal tissue mostly remained vital for about one week on the CAM. The growth of cystic tissue was evaluated using microscopic and CT-based volume measurements, which correlated with weight and an increase in angiogenesis, and was accompanied by cyst cell proliferation. (4) Conclusions: The CAM model might bridge the gap between animal studies and clinical trials of human cyst growth, and provide a drug-testing platform for the inhibition of cyst enlargement. Real-time analyses of mouse kidney tissue may provide insights into renal physiology and reduce the need for animal experiments.
Insights
A novel chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model successfully cultured human and mouse kidney tissues, enabling the study of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) cyst growth and facilitating drug testing for potential therapies.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Developmental Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common genetic disorder causing progressive kidney cyst growth and failure.
- Existing non-human models have limitations for predicting human cyst growth and drug efficacy in clinical trials.
- There is a critical need for advanced models to study human ADPKD and test therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model for studying human and mouse kidney tissue.
- To assess the feasibility of using the CAM model for monitoring cyst growth in ADPKD.
- To evaluate the CAM model as a platform for preclinical drug testing against ADPKD.
Main Methods:
- Human ADPKD renal tissue and adult mouse kidney slices were cultured on a CAM for one week.
- Cyst volume was monitored using microscopy and CT imaging.
- Tissue viability, weight, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation were quantified.
Main Results:
- Both human and mouse kidney tissues remained viable on the CAM for approximately one week.
- Microscopic and CT-based measurements showed correlated increases in cyst volume, tissue weight, and angiogenesis.
- Cyst cell proliferation was observed, indicating active disease progression in the model.
Conclusions:
- The CAM model provides a viable platform for studying human ADPKD cystogenesis and evaluating drug efficacy.
- This model may bridge the gap between preclinical animal studies and human clinical trials for ADPKD.
- Real-time CAM analysis of kidney tissue could offer insights into renal physiology and potentially reduce animal experimentation.
