Establishment of rat model of diabetic nephropathy induced by left nephrectomy combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin

Objective To investigate the establishment of a rat model of diabetic nephropathy induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and left nephrectomy. Methods Sixteen healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:normal control group (N group, 5 rats), sham operation group (SO group, 5 rats), and model group (M group, 6 rats). After 3 days of sexual feeding, M group underwent left kidney resection, and a single intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin was performed one week after surgery to establish a diabetic nephropathy rat model. Two times at 72 h after modeling, randomized blood glucose levels greater than 16.7 mmol/L were criteria for the establishment of a diabetic model. Blood, urine, and kidney specimens were collected at the 3rd month after modeling, and blood and urine biochemical parameters were measured. HE, PAS, Masson staining, and electron microscopy were used to observe the pathological features of the kidneys. Results As compared with N group and SO group, the weight gain in M group was slowed down, the body weight showed a negative growth trend at the later stage, the drinking water amount increased significantly, and diabetic retinopathy occurred. The urine volume, urinary protein and urinary albumin quantification were significantly increased at 24 h in M group. Blood creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were elevated in M group. HE, PAS, and Masson staining indicated that in M group, glomerular basement membrane and vascular intima were thickened,tubular vacuolar degeneration occurred, and some rats developed kidney Interstitial fibrosis. Electron microscopy suggested that the glomerular basement membrane was thickened and some podocyte foot processes were fused or absent. Conclusions A left kidney nephrectomy combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin can establish a reliable rat model of diabetic nephropathy.