Effects of maternal subtotal nephrectomy on the development of the fetal kidney: A morphometric study

Abstract

The present study was designed to explore if maternal subtotal (5/6) nephrectomy affects the development of fetal rat kidneys using morphometric methods and examining whether there are any apoptotic changes in the fetal kidney. To generate 5/6 nephrectomized model rats, animals underwent 2/3 left nephrectomy on gestation day (GD) 5 and total right nephrectomy on GD 12. The fetal kidneys were examined on GDs 16 and 22. A significant decrease in fetal body weight resulting from maternal 5/6 nephrectomy was observed on GD 16, and a significant decrease in fetal renal weight and fetal body weight caused by maternal nephrectomy was observed on GD 22. Maternal 5/6 nephrectomy induced a significant increase in glomerular number, proximal tubular length, and total proximal tubular volume of fetuses on GD 22. Maternal 5/6 nephrectomy resulted in an increase in the number of apoptotic cells in the metanephric mesenchyme of the kidney on GD 16, and in the collecting tubules on GD 22. These findings suggest that maternal 5/6 nephrectomy stimulates the development of the fetal kidney while suppressing fetal growth.

Life with one kidney

“…Whether the intrauterine environment of a woman with a SFK is different, and therefore results in an increased chance of CAKUT, is unknown. Animal studies have shown that nephrectomy in early pregnancy increases nephron numbers in the offspring [ 86 ], illustrating that alterations in the fetal development may be anticipated.…”

Maternal protein restriction that does not have an influence on the birthweight of the offspring induces morphological changes in kidneys reminiscent of phenotypes exhibited by intrauterine growth retardation rats

“…Maternal renal dysfunction by subtotal nephrectomy (Kondo et al. ) and maternal malnutrition by protein intake restriction during pregnancy (Mesquita et al. ) are associated with low fetal body weight, which can lead to morphological and physiological changes of the offspring kidney.…”

“…Studies in both humans and experimental animal models have established a causal relationship between an adverse intrauterine environment and disease in the adult offspring (Chen et al 2010;Shen et al 2011;Liu et al 2015). Maternal renal dysfunction by subtotal nephrectomy (Kondo et al 2015) and maternal malnutrition by protein intake restriction during pregnancy (Mesquita et al 2010) are associated with low fetal body weight, which can lead to morphological and physiological changes of the offspring kidney. Prenatal exposure to a low protein diet in maternal rats results in impairment of nephrogenesis and an elevation of blood pressure in the adult life of the offspring (Langley-Evans et al 1999).…”

Novel intrauterine growth retardation model: effects of maternal subtotal nephrectomy on neonates

“…We have reported that in pregnant rats, a slight but significant increment in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration was induced after removing 2/3 of the left kidney, and an intense increase in BUN was induced after removing the right kidney compared with sham-operated rats [14]. Further, maternal renal dysfunction resulting from subtotal nephrectomy is associated with low fetal body weight [8]. Han et al [5] recently reported elevated systolic blood pressure and progressively increasing blood creatinine in five-sixths (5/6) nephrectomized pregnant rats compared with sham-operated rats, and the remaining kidney in the 5/6 nephrectomized rats showed interstitial inflammation and mild fibrosis.…”

“…We have reported that in pregnant rats, a slight but significant increment in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration was induced after removing 2/3 of the left kidney, and an intense increase in BUN was induced after removing the right kidney compared with sham-operated rats [ 14 ]. Further, maternal renal dysfunction resulting from subtotal nephrectomy is associated with low fetal body weight [ 8 ]. Han et al .…”