A forgotten method to induce experimental chronic renal failure in the rat by ligation of the renal parenchyma

Background. Animal models of chronic renal failure have been widely used in the experimental nephrology laboratories. The most common technique used is the 5/6 reduction of renal mass, either by surgical resection or by infarction. Methods: In the present work, we describe a forgotten technique based in the ligation of the renal parenchyma in both renal poles. This technique combines the advantages of the resection model, like the reproducibility and homogeneity, with the ones of the infarction technique, like the absence of bleeding. Results: 8 weeks after the procedure, animals showed a decrease in creatinine clearance together with an increase in plasma creatinine. Furthermore, glomeruli of animals with 5/6 nephrectomy showed a marked hypertrophy, with a glomerular volume significantly higher than control animals. Serum levels of parathyroid hormone were also increased, consistent with the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Conclusions: We conclude that the present technique is a valid and improved tool for the study of chronic renal failure.