Abstract
Background: The Lew/SSNArc (LPK) rat is a unique model of spontaneous
polycystic kidney disease (PKD) which is associated with cardiovascular disease.
The aims of this study were to determine: (i) the nephron-segment origin of the
cysts and (ii) whether cyst formation is a precursor to cardiovascular disease in
this model.
Methods: Cyst formation, renal function, systolic blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) were examined in LPK rats and compared with Lewis
controls (1,3,6,12 and 24 wks). Immunohistochemistry for nephron segmentspecific markers [aquaporin (AQP)-1, AQP-2, and Tamm-Horsfall protein
(THP)] was performed.
Results: Kidney enlargement was reniform and cystogenesis occurred predominantly during the early postnatal period (between 1–3 wks of age). Epithelial cells of cysts were positive for AQP-2 and THP, whereas AQP-1 staining was rare. LPK rats developed hypertension at 6 wks, decreased renal function and increased cardiac mass by 12 wks, and LVH at 24 wks (all p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Cysts in LPK rats arise from collecting ducts and distal convoluted
tubules probably due to defects in postnatal nephron maturation, in a manner that
phenotypically resembles autosomal recessive PKD in humans. This study also
supports the hypothesis that cystogenesis is a precursor to hypertension and
cardiovascular disease in PKD.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 1198 |
| Pages (from-to) | A50-A50 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Nephrology |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | Supplement s2 |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2007 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 43rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology - Gold Coast, Australia Duration: 8 Sept 2007 → 12 Sept 2007 |