Chronic renal failure in the rat

Chronic renal failure is a frequent pathological condition in man. An animal model as described by Acott et al. (1987) is of value to test new diuretics under these conditions. 

Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 150-200 g are anesthetized. Through a 6-cm midline incision in the abdominal wall the small bowel and cecum are lifted and placed on saline-soaked gauze sponges. The exposed right kidney is dissected from the retroperitoneal area and the vascular and ureteric pedicles are ligated with 2-0 silk sutures, transected, and the kidney is removed. The renal artery of the left kidney is dissected 

Blood for serum creatinine is collected at various time intervals up to 12 months. In association with this, 24-hour urines are collected for measurement of creatinine, protein, and specific gravity. 

Serum creatinine increases up to 500 mM/L after 12 months, whereas creatinine clearance decreases. Significantly increased urine volumes are accompanied by decreased urine specific gravity indicating a decreased concentrating ability. Proteinuria is significantly increased. Terminal uremia occurs after 14—15 months. 

The method may be used for special pharmacological studies as well as for evaluation of renal toxicity of new chemicals. 

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Acott PD, Ogbom MR, Crocker JFS (1987) Chronic renal failure in the rat. A surgical model for long-term-toxicological studies. J Pharmacol Meth 18 81-88 Freeman RM (1971) The role of magnesium in the pathogenesis of azotemic hypothermia. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 137 1069-1072... 

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