Departments

Urine chemistry and protein excretion

Purpose

Urine is collected over 24h hours using metabolic cages and Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Chloride (Cl), urea, creatinine, Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), glucose, osmolarity, total proteins and albumin are measured. To evaluate renal function, blood parameters are recorded at the same time. Glomerular filtration rate is evaluated by the calculation of creatinine clearance, fractional tubular Na re-absorption is calculated.

Sample test results

Influence of the sodium content in the diet on the renal function in C57BL/6J mice: Na fractional reabsorption

Influence of the sodium content in the diet on the renal function in C57BL/6J mice: Creatinine clearance

Influence of the sodium content in the diet on the renal function in C57BL/6J mice: Diuresis

Influence of the sodium content in the diet on the renal function in C57BL/6J mice: Natriuresis

Influence of the sodium content in the diet on the renal function in C57BL/6J mice: Water intake

Equipment

Urine is collected over 24h in metabolic cages (Techniplast, France).
Urine chemistry is performed on an AU-400 automated laboratory work station (Beckman Coulter France SAS, Villepinte, France).
Urinary albumin is measured by ELISA

Recommendations

Analysis can be done on “spot urine” or on urine collected in metabolic cages.

To evaluate renal function, analysis of urine collected over 24 hours must be performed in parallel with plasma. 

6 mice per group are recommendated for reliable data analysis

Metabolic and diuresis cages

Purpose

Renal function may be assessed by metabolic cages. Metabolic cages allow separate collection of urine and feces. The mouse is confined in an enclosure with a wire grid floor for up to 72 h. In parallel, food and water intake are recorded daily by weighing the food and water containers. 

Renal function may be evaluated through the measurement of clinical chemistry parameters in 24 hours urine collection. Some models of renal failure/hypertension could be proposed to test drugs. 

Feces are collected for the measurement of heat loss by calorimetric bomb.

Equipment

Spot urine collection