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Updated: Jul 1, 2026
A Murine Model of Irreversible and Reversible Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction
Published on: December 20, 2014
Chronic changes developing in the hydronephrotic and contralateral kidneys during unilateral ureteral obstruction in
Tuncer Kutlu1, Ufuk Kaya2, Ziya Yurtal3
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, 31300, Turkey. tuncerkutlu83@gmail.com.
Background:
Animal models of chronic kidney disease are important experimental tools used to validate new mechanisms and potential innovations, as well as to investigate therapeutic interventions before clinical trials in humans. This study aimed to determine the chronic changes occurring in the obstructed kidneys (OK) and the contralateral (CL) kidneys in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rats.
Methods And Results:
In the study, three groups (n:6) were formed. It was observed that dilated tubules decreased at 28 days compared to 14 days, while mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis increased. In the CL kidneys, glutathione (GSH) was lower compared to the control group (CG) at 14 days; at 28 days, malondialdehyde (MDA) was elevated, and GSH and catalase (CAT) levels were reduced. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2) protein expression was lower in the OK compared to the CL kidneys at both 14 and 28 days. NRF-2 gene expression was lower in the OK only at 28 days compared to the CG. However, in the CL kidneys, NRF-2 gene expression was higher at both 14 and 28 days compared to the CG. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein levels showed a significant increase in both the OK and CL kidneys at 14 days. COX-2 gene expression increased in the OK at 14 days compared to the CG. BAX protein levels were lower in the OK at 28 days compared to both the CG and CL kidneys. BCL-2 protein levels were lower in the OK compared to the CL kidneys at both 14 and 28 days.
Conclusion:
This study has identified changes in both the OK and CL kidneys, providing significant data for potential therapeutic, supportive, or protective research aimed at treating these kidneys.
Insights
Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rats causes chronic changes in obstructed (OK) and contralateral (CL) kidneys. This study reveals kidney damage and altered antioxidant responses, offering insights for future therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Experimental Pathology
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- Animal models are crucial for understanding chronic kidney disease (CKD) mechanisms and testing interventions.
- Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is a common model to study kidney injury and adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chronic pathological and molecular changes in both obstructed (OK) and contralateral (CL) kidneys following UUO in a rat model.
- To assess alterations in oxidative stress markers, antioxidant defenses, and apoptosis-related proteins.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and were analyzed at 14 and 28 days.
- Histopathological analysis included assessment of tubular dilation, inflammation, and fibrosis.
- Biochemical assays measured glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT) levels.
- Protein and gene expression of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2), Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), BAX, and BCL-2 were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Obstructed kidneys showed increased inflammation and fibrosis over time, with decreased tubular dilation.
- Contralateral kidneys exhibited reduced glutathione and catalase, and elevated malondialdehyde, indicating oxidative stress.
- NRF-2 protein was lower in OK, while its gene expression was higher in CL kidneys.
- COX-2 protein and gene expression increased in OK kidneys; BAX and BCL-2 protein levels were altered in OK kidneys.
Conclusions:
- UUO induces distinct chronic changes in both the obstructed and contralateral kidneys.
- The findings highlight significant alterations in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis pathways.
- This research provides valuable data for developing targeted therapies for kidney protection and treatment in obstructive nephropathies.
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