Full Length Research Paper

A novel rat model of 1/4 partial nephrectomy and its application in ischemia-reperfusion research in residual kidney

Qianglin Duan^1,2, Guangchun Wang² and Junhua Zheng^2*

¹Department of Scientific Research, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, No.389 Xincun Road, Shanghai 200065, China.

²Department of Urology, Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University, No.301 Yanchang Road, Shanghai 200072, China.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: zhengjh0471@163.com. Tel: +8621-66307478.

Accepted 11 June, 2010

Abstract

This study established a new rat model of 1/4 partial nephrectomy for research on ischemia-reperfusion injury in residual kidney. Thirty healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally anesthetized by pentobarbital sodium. A lumbar oblique incision was made, and then the right renal pedicle was isolated and clamped by a smooth microclip. The kidney size was measured and the upper pole of  the right kidney (about 0.5 × 1.0 cm) was resected by a scorching knife, then SURGICEL* FIBRILLAR Absorbable Hemostats (oxidized regenerated cellulose) was used for rapid haemostasis. Mean kidney size was 2.0 × 1.1 cm, and mean kidney tissue removed actually was 0.6 × 1.0 cm. Mean operation time was 3.2 ± 0.5 min  (2.6 - 5.2 min), and mean haemostasis time after resection was 1.2 min (0.8 - 1.5 min). Three minutes after partial nephrectomy, the smooth microclip was removed for reperfusion, without rebleeding in all cases. No rats died during the operation. A new 1/4 partial nephrectomy rat model was successfully established in our study, which can be used for research on ischemia-reperfusion injury in residual kidney. Rapid haemostasis could be achieved by SURGICEL* FIBRILLAR Absorbable Hemostats, which is suitable for application in surgical experiments in rats. 

Key words: Partial nephrectomy, ischemia-reperfusion injury, haemostasis, rat model.