Preliminary exploration of a rat model of reversible renal artery stenosis

Purpose Development of renal artery stenosis (RAS) can lead to renal function impairment, blood pressure elevation, and myocardial remodeling. However, the detail mechanism, the treatments using medicines and stents were still blurred. In order to study RAS, animal models are badly needed. This study aimed to establish RAS model based on the novel “two kidneys, one clip” approach for renal hypertension (2K1C-RHR) modeling in rats. Methods Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were selected for model building. Using the approach of 2K1C, the RAS model was built with delayed removal of clips. Animal models were evaluated using systolic blood pressure (SBP) and creatinine (Cr) at the time points for the stenosis recording. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and one-way ANOVA was used for comparisons among groups. Results The SBP levels and the Cr concentrations were significantly increased after the establishment of RAS model ( P < 0.05) using 2K1C method with delay of 1 to 3 weeks, blood pressures increased from 85.9 ± 5.9 mmHg to 131.5 ± 16.7 mmHg in model groups and especially obvious in after the establishment model of two weeks (from 87.4 ± 6.9 mmHg to 145.6 ± 11.8 mmHg). Cr increased from 19.2 ± 4.1 μmol/L to 40.5 ± 11.8 μmol/L in model groups and especially obvious in after the establishment model of three weeks (from 18.8 ± 4.5 μmol/L to 51.4 ± 9.7 μmol/L). When the clips were removed from the stenosis models, 3 days from removal of clips, the SBP levels and the Cr concentrations decreased. Conclusion Based on 2K1C approach, rat RAS model would be established and the reversible effects were observed which would be used for kidney function restore and the blood pressure control.