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5/6th Nephrectomy in Combination with High Salt Diet and Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition to Induce Chronic Kidney Disease in the Lewis Rat
Published on: July 3, 2013
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Kidney disease impairs tendon function in rats
Christopher M T Hayden1,2, Natalie K Gilmore1,2, Benjamin Osipov3
1Molecular Cellular and Integrative Physiology Graduate Group, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA.
The Journal of Physiology
|December 31, 2025
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) weakens tendons, increasing rupture risk. This study shows CKD impairs tendon strength and mechanics in a rat model, providing the first direct evidence of this link.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Orthopedics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with musculoskeletal issues, including bone and muscle wasting.
- Case reports suggest a link between CKD and spontaneous tendon ruptures, but mechanistic studies are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of CKD on tendon mechanics using an established rat model.
- To determine if kidney disease alters tendon strength and failure properties.
Main Methods:
- Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control and adenine-induced CKD groups.
- Achilles and tibialis anterior tendons were analyzed for maximum tensile load, failure stress, modulus, and cross-sectional area.
- Biochemical markers (creatinine, BUN) and muscle/bone strength were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Adenine-induced CKD confirmed by elevated creatinine and BUN.
- Tibialis anterior tendon failure stress was 24% lower in CKD rats.
- Plantar flexor strength decreased by 13% and femur yield force by 41% (males).
- Female rats with CKD showed a 25% decrease in Achilles tendon failure stress.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first direct experimental evidence that CKD impairs tendon mechanical properties.
- The findings establish a comprehensive multitissue rat model for studying CKD-related tendon pathology.
- Further research can explore mechanisms and potential interventions for CKD-associated tendon dysfunction.
