[Pathogenesis of spontaneous nephrosis in mice--urinary protein in nephrotic mice]

There is a paucity of model animals for naturally occurring nephrosis. The nephrotic mouse strain (ICGN) found from ICR mouse colony at National Institute of Health could be one of the most suitable model for nephrosis. We maintained the strain of mice which was originated from the hybrid between the nephrotic ICGN mice and ICR mice. Nephrosis is diagnosed with the presence of albumin band on SDS-PAGE of the urine. The detection of urinary albumin using SDS-PAGE could be valuable for early diagnosis of nephrosis in the mice. The total urinary protein concentration was determined on the course of nephrosis. The nephrotic mice showed slightly higher protein concentration between 2 and 6 days old as compared to control mice. Until 16 day old, it was maintained relatively low level. Thereafter, the total urinary protein increased gradually. However the diagnosis of nephrosis with total urinary protein alone may be limited due to the major urinary protein which can be detected even in normal rodents.