ZDF Rat Model of Diabetic Nephropathy
Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF-Leprfa/Crl) rats exhibit obesity, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension, and renal and cardiovascular disease due to deficits in leptin signalling. The ZDF rat model develops a phenotype very similar to humans with type 2 diabetes , including the existence of diabetic nephropathy.
The progressive diabetes in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF-Leprfa/Crl) rats leads to a decline in renal function.
![](https://www.sygnaturediscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/The-progressive-diabetes-in-Zucker-diabetic-fatty-ZDF-LeprfaCrl-rats-leads-to-a-decline-in-renal-function..png)
ZDF-Lepr fa/Crl rats show glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage with string hydronephrosis, tubular atrophy/dilation, hyaline casts and retraction of glomerular tufts
![](https://www.sygnaturediscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Screen-Shot-2021-02-16-at-12.57.26.png)
The ZDF rat displays progressive hyperglycaemia and elevated blood HbA1c
![](https://www.sygnaturediscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/The-ZDF-rat-displays-progressive-hyperglycaemia-and-elevated-blood-HbA1c.png)
The ZDF rat displays significantly increased urinary glucose excretion
![](https://www.sygnaturediscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/The-ZDF-rat-displays-significantly-increased-urinary-glucose-excretion.png)