A practical guide to subtotal nephrectomy in the rat with subsequent methodology for assessing renal and cardiac function.
BACKGROUND
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its associated cardiovascular events, is one of the major causes of morbidity and recurrent hospitalization in Asian Pacific region. The subtotal nephrectomy (STNx) model has remained the state-of-the-art prototype which closely mimics human CKD and cardiac-renal syndrome.


OBJECTIVE
In this article, we comprehensively outline the procedure and methodology required to develop the rat model 5/6 nephrectomy and the associated procedures involved in assessing cardiac and renal functional outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
In addition, the expected functional outcomes from our own experience, and those of others, have been described. The STNx model in the rat is an established model of CKD and displays all the functional and structural hallmarks observed in the human condition. Lesser known are the cardiac effects of this model which make it ideal for studying cardiorenal syndrome.
Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Yuan
Y
Zhang
Andrew R
AR
Kompa
D000818:Animals; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D059347:Cardio-Renal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006334:Heart Function Tests; D007668:Kidney / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D009392:Nephrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D051381:Rats; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left
chronic kidney disease; renal function and heart function; subtotal nephrectomy