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The detection of murine autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease using real-time ultrasound
W D Winters1, R A McDonald, L D Krauter
1Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
Abstract:
Using currently available ultrasound equipment, 38 BPK and CPK mice were evaluated at 7 days of age for the presence of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). The kidneys were less echogenic than adjacent soft tissues and measured between 5.1 and 6.3 mm from pole to pole in 32 unaffected mice and 1 with ARPKD. In 5 mice with ARPKD, the kidneys were similar in echogenicity to adjacent soft tissues and measured between 6.9 and 8.4 mm from pole to pole. Renal sonography is able to identify most mice with polycystic kidney disease prior to the development of abdominal enlargement and laboratory abnormalities, and shows promise for future applications in animal research.
Insights
Renal sonography can detect autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) in mice as early as 7 days of age. This imaging technique identifies kidney abnormalities before clinical signs appear, aiding early diagnosis in animal models.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Medical Imaging
- Genetics
Background:
- Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a serious genetic disorder affecting kidneys.
- Early detection of ARPKD in animal models is crucial for research and therapeutic development.
- Current diagnostic methods may not identify ARPKD until later stages, after significant pathology has developed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of renal sonography in detecting ARPKD in mice at 7 days of age.
- To determine if ultrasound can identify ARPKD before clinical manifestations like abdominal enlargement.
- To assess the potential of sonography for early diagnosis in ARPKD mouse models.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-eight BPK and CPK mice at 7 days of age were examined using standard ultrasound equipment.
- Kidney echogenicity and size (pole-to-pole length) were measured and compared between affected and unaffected mice.
- Ultrasound findings were correlated with the presence or absence of ARPKD.
Main Results:
- In unaffected mice (n=32) and one mouse with ARPKD, kidneys were less echogenic than surrounding tissues (5.1–6.3 mm).
- In five mice with ARPKD, kidneys showed similar echogenicity to adjacent tissues and were larger (6.9–8.4 mm).
- Renal sonography successfully identified most cases of ARPKD at 7 days of age.
Conclusions:
- Renal sonography is a valuable tool for the early detection of ARPKD in mice.
- Ultrasound can identify ARPKD in young mice before the onset of clinical symptoms.
- This technique shows promise for advancing research applications in ARPKD animal models.