Diuretic responses to electrolyte loads in four strains of mice

Renal physiology of the mouse

As the transgenic and gene-targeting technology has become an invaluable experimental approach to study the function of gene products, the need has been expanded to assess the physiology in the mouse, which is virtually the only animal species to which that new genetic technology can apply. In this regard, renal physiologists have also received fruits of success from modern technology in several key areas, and areas are expanding in both depth and scope.

A method for screening diuretic agents in the mouse: an investigation of sexual differences

Acetazolamide, aminophyline, frusemide, ethacrynic acid and triamterene were tested for diuretic action at dosages of 3, 10 and 30 mg kg-1 (s.c.) in male and female mice. Each drug significantly raised sodium excretion and all but acetazolamide elevated urine volume and chloride excretion. Potassium excretion was significantly raised by acetazolamide and frusemide. Acetazolamide and triamterene evoked urinary alkalinization whereas frusemide and ethacrynic acid reduced urinary pH. Female mice were markedly more sensitive than males to the diuretic, natriuretic, chloruretic and urinary acidfying actions of ethacrynic acid.

Genetic analysis of physiological homeostasis: glomerular filtration rate following saline loading in mice

Saline loading caused an increase in glomerular filtration rate in RAP mice but not in CBA mice. On the basis of progeny testing of F 2 hybrids, backcrosses to CBA, and inbred lines derived from backcrosses to RAP, it was concluded that the difference between the strains RAP and CBA was probably largely accounted for by a single gene locus. The use of this gene in physiological investigations of the control of glomerular filtration rate is suggested.