Experimental glomerulonephritis in the rat: structural and functional observations

Data are presented on the method of production, the morphologic characteristics and the functional patterns of experimentally induced bilateral glomerulonephritis in the rat. The histologic picture was variable. Glomerular capillary wall thickening and proliferation were both present, and a linear staining pattern was observed with immunofluorescent techniques. There was considerable diversity of anatomic involvement among the constituent glomeruli of any kidney. Functionally, total kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) varied from levels which were only moderately diminished to values less than 10% of normal. The animals were proteinuric and hypoalbuminemic, but the only rats in which positive sodium balance was observed were those with the lowest GFR. The morphologic heterogeneity was paralleled by a wide spread in values for single nephron GFR and proximal tubular transit times. However, values for filtration fractions and fractional sodium excretion were closely comparable in the two kidneys of individual rats; and fractional water reabsorption in superficial nephrons demonstrated a tendency for the maintenance of uniform glomerulotubular balance among the constituent nephrons. (21 references)