An Experimental Model of Nephritis Induced by Calf Serum Injection in Mice

Acute glomerulonephritis characterized by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia and leukocytosis was induced in mice by repeated intraperitoneal injections of calf serum (1 ml/mousex10). In mice treated with calf serum, hypercellularity, karyor rhexis, expansion of the mesangium and hyalinosis in the glomeruli were observed by light microscopy. Furthermore, circulating immune complexes were detected in the serum, and deposits of mouse IgG and C3 on the basement membranes of the glomeruli were demonstrated immunohistochemically. Oral administration of cyclophosphamide or 6-mercaptopurine at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day significantly suppressed the development of this nephritis. Dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg/day) caused moderate inhibition of the nephritic changes. These results suggest that this experimental model may be useful for evaluation of anti-nephritic drugs.