Mouse model of ischemic acute kidney injury: technical notes and tricks

Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2012 Dec 1;303(11):F1487-94. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00352.2012. Epub 2012 Sep 19.

Abstract

Renal ischemia-reperfusion leads to acute kidney injury (AKI), a major kidney disease associated with an increasing prevalence and high mortality rates. A variety of experimental models, both in vitro and in vivo, have been used to study the pathogenic mechanisms of ischemic AKI and to test renoprotective strategies. Among them, the mouse model of renal clamping is popular, mainly due to the availability of transgenic models and the relatively small animal size for drug testing. However, the mouse model is generally less stable, resulting in notable variations in results. Here, we describe a detailed protocol of the mouse model of bilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion. We share the lessons and experiences gained from our laboratory in the past decade. We further discuss the technical issues that account for the variability of this model and offer relevant solutions, which may help other investigators to establish a well-controlled, reliable animal model of ischemic AKI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury*
  • Animals
  • Constriction
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Kidney / blood supply
  • Kidney / surgery
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Reperfusion Injury*
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / instrumentation
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / methods