Rapidly progressive renal deterioration in partially nephrectomized rats with experimental membranous nephropathy

The effects of nephron loss on the clinical and histological picture of experimental membranous nephropathy were examined for 18 weeks in five-sixths nephrectomized rats with Heymann nephritis (HN-5/6N group). Heymann nephritis-induced rats without nephrectomy (HN group), normal rats with 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6N group) and normal rats without nephrectomy (control group) were also examined for comparison. A rapidly progressive increase in urinary protein, BUN and serum creatinine was observed after renal ablation in the HN-5/6N group. Light microscopic study revealed global or segmental sclerosis in most of the glomeruli, crescent formation in some of the glomeruli and marked tubulointerstitial changes. Electron microscopic study demonstrated vacuolation and necrosis of podocytes, detachment of podocytes from the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and fibrin exudation into Bowman's space. Proteinuria was also marked but renal function was not impaired in the HN group. In the 5/6N group, proteinuria was mild and elevation in BUN and serum creatinine was apparent but not progressive. There were no differences in the depositions of IgG, C3 and electron-dense materials on GBM between the HN-5/6N group and the HN group. In conclusion, renal mass reduction associated with high flow and pressure to the remnant glomeruli could lead to extensive glomerular sclerosis and to a deterioration in renal function, in the case of pre-existing nephritic lesions.