BSA+CCL4+LPS-induced IgA Nephropathy Model

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease worldwide, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Developing an ideal IgAN animal model is a critical prerequisite for current research. The heterologous protein induction method, which involves oral administration of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to induce excessive production of IgA molecules in vivo, is a widely used and successful approach adopted by domestic researchers for establishing IgAN animal models.

Research Applications: The IgAN model can be used to further elucidate the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy, explore effective therapeutic strategies, evaluate the protective effects of drugs on IgAN, and investigate the underlying mechanisms involved.

Construction Process

The IgAN model was constructed in BALB/c mice using the BSA+CCL4+LPS method. By the 8th week of modeling, spleen enlargement, glomerular mesangial proliferation, and glomerular IgA protein deposition were observed. Prednisone treatment was initiated in the 9th week and continued for 3 weeks before sample collection.

Model validation

Figure 1. Spleen index of mice. The results showed that the spleen index was increased in the model group compared to the control group, while it was decreased in the treatment group compared to the model group. *, P<0.05; **, P<0.01; ***, P<0.001.

Figure 2. H&E and immunofluorescence results. H&E staining showed severe mesangial proliferation and significant thickening of the glomerular capillary basement membrane in the model group compared to the control group, while the treatment group exhibited moderate mesangial proliferation and moderate thickening of the basement membrane. Immunofluorescence results revealed increased glomerular IgA deposition in the model group compared to the control group, and reduced IgA deposition in the treatment group compared to the model group.