Comparative study of urolithiasis model validity in rats and rabbits

Kidney stone disease (KSD, urolithiasis) is defined as formation of mineralized concrements in urinary tract and is one of the most widespread diseases in humans today. Physicochemical reactions of stone forming and the role of regulating molecules remain not completely studied. This problem complicates development of effective medicines for KSD treatment and prevention, but at the same time makes research into modelling of urolithiasis in laboratory animals significant. This work presents data on KSD model development by ethylene glycol (EG) administration with drinking water in male rats and rabbits. EG is a lithogenic agent, his metabolites form insoluble calcium salts in the urine. The possibility of KSD modelling was investigated using the following schemes of EG administration: 1% EG for 28 days (n=20) and 1,5% EG for 9 days (n=20) in rats; 1,5% EG for 28 days (n=16) and 4% EG for 13 days in rabbits. During the study water intake and body weight were registered in all experimental animals. The serum concentrations of albumin, total protein, calcium, phosphorus, urea, creatinine, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase were studied. Urine samples were tested for crystals, creatinine, urea, protein and calcium levels. Histological study of the kidneys of rats and rabbits was performed. Based on the data the studied administration schemes were assessed for repeatability and effectiveness of urolithiasis model creation. According to the results the administration of 1% EG to rats for 28 days was recognized as most successful. Rabbits can be used as models for urolithiasis with consideration to mild to no alterations of laboratory values from reference range.