Use of a Hanging-weight System for Isolated Renal Artery Occlusion

Abstract

In hospitalized patients, over 50% of cases of acute kidney injury (AKI) are caused by renal ischemia [1][2][3] . A recent study of hospitalized patients revealed that only a mild increase in serum creatinine levels (0.3 to 0.4 mg/dl) is associated with a 70% greater risk of death than in persons without any increase 1 . Along these lines, surgical procedures requiring cross-clamping of the aorta and renal vessels are associated with a renal failure rates of up to 30% 4 . Similarly, AKI after cardiac surgery occurs in over 10% of patients under normal circumstances and is associated with dramatic increases in mortality. AKI are also common complications after liver transplantation. At least 8-17% of patients end up requiring renal replacement therapy To elucidate mechanisms of renal injury due to ischemia and possible therapeutic strategies murine models are intensively required [7][8][9][10][11][12][13] . Mouse models provide the possibility of utilizing different genetic models including gene-targeted mice and tissue specific gene-targeted mice (creflox system). However, murine renal ischemia is technically challenging and experimental details significantly influence results. We performed a systematic evaluation of a novel model for isolated renal artery occlusion in mice, which specifically avoids the use of clamping or suturing the renal pedicle 14 . This model requires a nephrectomy of the right kidney since ischemia can be only performed in one kidney due to the experimental setting. In fact, by using a hanging-weight system, the renal artery is only instrumented once throughout the surgical procedure. In addition, no venous or urethral obstruction occurs with this technique. We could demonstrate time-dose-dependent and highly reproducible renal injury with ischemia by measuring serum creatinine. Moreover, when comparing this new model with conventional clamping of the whole pedicle, renal protection by ischemic preconditioning is more profound and more reliable. Therefore his new technique might be useful for other researchers who are working in the field of acute kidney injury. Video LinkThe video component of this article can be found at https://www.jove.com/video/2549/ ProtocolGeneral remarks. All operations should be performed under an upright dissecting microscope (Leica) and by using a surgical coagulator. The mice in the experimental groups should be matched in age and weight to ensure comparability of the results. Temperature, blood pressure, anesthesia and fluid administration should be stable and monitored during the experiment.

Adenovirus-Mediated Over-Expression of Nrf2 Within Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Protected Rats Against Acute Kidney Injury

“…Over 50% of hospitalized cases of AKI are caused by renal ischemia. 32 Ischemia is thought to create an inhospitable environment by inducing local expression of inflammatory cytokines that promote cell apoptosis. 33 Ischemia has two important components including hypoxia and serum deprivation.…”

Tissue-Resident NK Cells Mediate Ischemic Kidney Injury and Are Not Depleted by Anti–Asialo-GM1 Antibody

“…The hanging weight system was used as previously described (49). Briefly, mice were anesthetized with pentobarbital at 20mg/kg and body temperature was regulated using an anal probe during the entire surgery.…”

“…To assess kidney function, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured as previously described (49). Briefly, mice were anesthetized with pentobarbital at 20mg/kg and mice were kept warm to maintain their body temp using an anal probe during entire surgery.…”

Dendritic cells tolerized with adenosine A2AR agonist attenuate acute kidney injury

“…In recent years, an AKI model was established that more closely mimics human renal artery hypoperfusion during cardiac surgery (35)(36)(37)(38). To demonstrate that our results can be recapitulated in the artery occlusion model, we successfully established a mouse renal artery IRI model.…”