Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice

Xavier Cabana-Puig; Xin M. Luo

doi:10.3791/63506

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lu...

JoVE Journal
Immunology and Infection

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JoVE Journal Immunology and Infection

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice

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09:43 min

June 8, 2022

DOI: 10.3791/63506-v

Xavier Cabana-Puig¹, Xin M. Luo¹

¹Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine,Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Overview

This protocol outlines a method for tracking lupus progression in mice, focusing on the characterization of lupus nephritis through cell infiltration and protein deposition in the kidneys.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Immunology
Pathology

Background

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can lead to kidney damage.
Monitoring disease progression is crucial for effective treatment.
Current methods may lack reliability and cost-effectiveness.
This study presents alternative methods for tracking lupus in a mouse model.

Purpose of Study

To provide a reliable method for tracking lupus progression.
To characterize lupus nephritis through specific kidney assessments.
To offer a cost-effective alternative for researchers.

Methods Used

Preparation of sterile equipment and environment.
Collection of urine samples from mice.
Assessment of cell infiltration in kidney tissues.
Measurement of protein deposition in kidneys.

Main Results

Successful tracking of lupus progression in the mouse model.
Characterization of nephritis through observed cell infiltration.
Quantitative analysis of protein deposition in kidneys.
Validation of methods as reliable and cost-effective.

Conclusions

The presented methods are effective for monitoring lupus progression.
These techniques can aid in understanding chronic inflammation in lupus.
They provide a foundation for future research in lupus nephritis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is lupus nephritis?

Lupus nephritis is a serious complication of lupus that affects the kidneys, leading to inflammation and damage.

How can these methods improve lupus research?

These methods provide a reliable and cost-effective way to monitor disease progression and assess kidney involvement.

What are the key indicators of lupus progression?

Key indicators include cell infiltration in the kidneys and levels of protein deposition.

Why is it important to track lupus progression?

Tracking progression helps in understanding the disease course and tailoring treatment strategies.

Can these methods be applied to human studies?

While these methods are designed for mouse models, they may inform future human studies on lupus.

What precautions should be taken during the procedure?

Sterilization of equipment and careful handling of mice are crucial to prevent contamination and stress.

The present protocol describes a method to track lupus progression in mice. Two additional procedures are presented to characterize lupus nephritis based on cell infiltration and protein deposition in the kidneys.

These methods can help investigate the progression of chronic inflammation associated with kidneys in lupus patients. We are offering a reliable and cost effective alternative that can be used to monitor the disease course in lupus. Begin sterilizing the hood by spraying 70%ethanol and place a sterile plastic sheet on the surface.

Then prepare tips, 1.5 milliliter tubes and a pipette to collect about 20 microliters of the urine. Take the cage and spray 70%ethanol before placing it inside the hood. Afterward, hold the mouse with one hand and use the other hand to gently massage the ventral area from top to bottom.

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