Measuring nephron number in the healthy and diabetic rat kidney in vivo using MRI without contrast agents

American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Edwin J. Baldelomar, Jennifer R. Charlton, Shella Keilhoz, Benjamin D. Kohn, Leslie D. Wilson, Lingyun Xiong, Alan Garfinkel, Kevin M. Bennett
DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00088.2026
Cited by: 1
References: 50

Abstract

We previously showed that resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (rsMRI) detects spontaneous physiological oscillations in rat and human kidneys, potentially reflecting autoregulation mechanisms. Here, we apply rsMRI and show that the features of these oscillations can be used to measure nephron number in healthy and diabetic rats, and are associated with the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism. Because the rsMRI scan is short (∼10 min) and noninvasive, it might be rapidly translated to measure nephron number and function in the clinic.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pediatric Urology and Nephrology Studies Genetic and Kidney Cyst Diseases Birth Development and Health

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
6
Pages
F643–F652
Publication date
17 April 2026
Language
EN