A chick model for impaired renal function.

To evaluate some of the metabolic consequences of impaired renal function (IRF) in the chick, a surgical method to induce IRF was developed that involves the destruction of approximately 85% of the renal mass by ureteral ligation. It is relatively simple with minimal time and labor required, produces low mortality, requires little specialized postoperative care, and is readily reproducible. Three-week-old control, sham-operated, and IRF chicks were bled by cardiac puncture and biochemical measurements were made on serum samples. Serum uric acid concentration was the most sensitive indicator of IRF, with mean levels in the IRF chicks being increased above control and sham-operated chicks 3.3-, 2.7-, 2.0-, and 1.2-fold at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days, respectively. The gradual decline in uric acid levels is most likely related to the functional recovery and hypertrophy of the remaining renal mass. The IRF chick model will be useful to provide information on renal aspects of the toxicity, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of nephrotoxic agents.