Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hypercortisolism affects glomerular and tubular function in dogs.
- Journal:
- Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Smets, P M Y et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In a study involving 25 dogs with Cushing's syndrome, a condition caused by high levels of cortisol, researchers looked at how well their kidneys were working compared to 12 healthy dogs. They measured various kidney functions and found that while some markers were normal, others showed that the kidneys of dogs with Cushing's were not functioning as well. Specifically, certain proteins and enzymes in their urine were higher, indicating changes in kidney function. This suggests that Cushing's syndrome can affect both parts of the kidneys that filter blood and those that process waste. The researchers concluded that more studies are needed to understand these kidney changes better.
Abstract
Renal function was assessed in 25 dogs with Cushing's syndrome and in 12 healthy controls. Routine renal parameters and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured and urinary biomarkers such as urinary albumin (uALB), urinary immunoglobulin G (uIgG), and urinary retinol-binding protein (uRBP) were assessed by ELISA. Urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity (uNAG) was determined colorimetrically. All urinary markers were indexed to urinary creatinine concentration (c). Plasma exo- (Cl(exo)) and endo-iohexol (Cl(endo)) clearance were used to measure GFR. Based on a Mann-Whitney U test, urea and Cl(exo) did not differ, sCr was significantly lower, and UPC, uALB/c, uIgG/c, uRBP/c, uNAG/c and Cl(endo) were higher in the dogs with Cushing's syndrome when compared with controls. The findings indicate that glomerular and tubular function are both altered in dogs with Cushing's syndrome. Further longitudinal studies will be required to elucidate the pathogenesis of the changes in GFR.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21723755/