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.

ZDF-Lepr fa/Crl rats show glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage with string hydronephrosis, tubular atrophy/dilation, hyaline casts and retraction of glomerular tufts

The ZDF rat displays progressive hyperglycaemia and elevated blood HbA1c

The ZDF rat displays significantly increased urinary glucose excretion