A practical guide to subtotal nephrectomy in the rat with subsequent methodology for assessing renal and cardiac function

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its associated cardiovascular events, is one of the major causes of morbidity and recurrent hospitalization in Asian Pacific region. The subtotal nephrectomy (STNx) model has remained the state-of-the-art prototype which closely mimics human CKD and cardiac-renal syndrome. Aim and Methods: In this article, we comprehensively outline the procedure and methodology required to develop the rat model 5/6 nephrectomy and the associated procedures involved in assessing cardiac and renal functional outcomes. Results and Conclusion: In addition, the expected functional outcomes from our own experience, and those of others, have been described. The STNx model in the rat is an established model of CKD and displays all the functional and structural hallmarks observed in the human condition. Lesser known are the cardiac effects of this model which make it ideal for studying cardiorenal syndrome.