The Os/+ mouse: a genetic animal model of reduced renal mass.
The ROP [Ra/+ (ragged), Os/+ (oligosyndactyly), and Pt/+ (pintail)] mouse possessing the gene for oligosyndactylism (Os) was evaluated as a potential genetic animal model of reduced renal mass. Young male ROP mice that were heterozygotes with respect to the Os gene (Os/+) and their normal homozygote litter mates (+/+) were used in the present study. Approximately 50% fewer nephrons were present in the Os/+ mice than in the +/+ mice. Hypertrophic changes were detected in the epithelial cells in proximal convoluted and proximal straight tubules as well as in cortical collecting ducts in the kidneys of the Os/+ mice. Glomerular hypertrophy was also noted in the kidneys of these mice. After unilateral nephrectomy, further hypertrophic changes occurred in both Os/+ and +/+ mice, but the magnitude of compensatory growth was greater in the +/+ mice. From a functional standpoint, the Os/+ mice appeared to be capable of maintaining normal fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, even after unilateral nephrectomy. The findings from the present study indicate that the ROP Os/+ mouse can be a useful animal model to study the effects of reduced renal mass.
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Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia 31207.
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D006984:Hypertrophy; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007678:Kidney Glomerulus / Q000473:pathology; D007684:Kidney Tubules / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D009392:Nephrectomy; D009929:Organ Size; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012016:Reference Values