The number of podocyte and slit diaphragm is decreased in experimental diabetic nephropathy

• Autor(es):

  Lerco, Mauro Masson (São Paulo State University. School of Medicine. Department of Surgery and Orthopedics);

  Macedo, Célia Sperandeo (São Paulo State University. School of Medicine. Department of Pediatric);

  Silva, Reinaldo José (São Paulo State University. Institute of Biosciences. Department of Parasitology);

  Pinheiro, Daniela de Oliveira (São Paulo State University. Institute of Biosciences. Department of Morphology);

  Spadella, César Tadeu (São Paulo State University. School of Medicine. Department of Surgery and Orthopedics).

• Fonte:

  Acta Cirurgica Brasileira; volume 21, número 2, páginas 87-91. Abril 2006.

• Assuntos:

  Diabetes Mellitus;

  Microscopy, Electron;

  Glomerulonephritis, Membranous.

• Resumo:

  PURPOSE: To determine the number of podocyte, slit diaphragms, slit diaphragm extensions and GBM thickness in diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: Sixty "Rattus Wistar"of both sexes weighing 200-300g were divided in two experimental groups: normal group 10 animals, and alloxan diabetic rats - 50 animals. Alloxan was administered in a single IV dose of 42mg/kg body weight. Body weight, water and food intake, diuresis, and blood and urine glucose were determined in both groups before alloxan injection and two weeks, six and twelve months after alloxan injection. Proteinuria was measured at 12 months in both groups. After 12 months animals were sacrificed, and the right kidney processed for electron microscopy. RESULTS: Clear clinical and laboratory signs of severe diabetes were seen, in all alloxan-diabetic rats at all follow-up times. Glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickening, podocyte number, and slit diaphragm number and extension were determined. GBM of all diabetic rats was significantly thicker (median=0.29µm; semi-interquartile range=0.065µm) than in the normal rats (0.23µm; 0.035µm). Diabetic rat podocyte number (8; 1), slit diaphragm number (4; 1), and slit diaphragm extension (0.021µm; 0.00435µm) were significantly lower than in normal rats (11; 1) and (7; 1.5), and (0.031µm; 0.0058µm). Diabetic rat proteinuria (0.060mg/24h; 0.037mg/24h) was higher than in normal rats (0.00185mg/24h; 0.00055mg/24h). CONCLUSION: Experimental diabetes is associated with significant (p<0.05) changes in podocyte foot process, slit number, slit diaphragm extension, and GBM thickness.

• Acesse o texto completo (Inglês)