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World J Radiol. Nov 28, 2010; 2(11): 427-433
Published online Nov 28, 2010. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v2.i11.427
Published online Nov 28, 2010. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v2.i11.427
Pathophysiology of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: A review of experimental data
Sameh K Morcos, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield S5 7AU, United Kingdom
John Haylor, Academic Department of Nephrology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S5 7AU, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Morcos SK and Haylor J carried out the literature review and analysis; Morcos SK wrote the first draft; Haylor J provided the amendments and alterations.
Correspondence to: Sameh K Morcos, Professor, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield S5 7AU, United Kingdom. sameh.morcos@sth.nhs.uk
Telephone: +44-114-2714339 Fax: +44-114-2611791
Received: June 13, 2010
Revised: September 30, 2010
Accepted: October 7, 2010
Published online: November 28, 2010
Revised: September 30, 2010
Accepted: October 7, 2010
Published online: November 28, 2010
Abstract
Since the association between nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and gadolinium contrast agents (Gd-CAs) was suggested in 2006, several experimental studies have been published to elucidate the role of these agents in the pathogenesis of NSF. Low stability Gd-CAs have a stimulant effect on human skin and fibroblasts in culture and modulate the production of collagen by these cells. Low stability agents have also induced NSF-like skin changes in a rat model with normal renal function after multiple repeat administrations. The role of the 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy rat model in investigating NSF remains under evaluation.
Keywords: Experimental models; Gadolinium-based contrast agents; Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis; Pathophysiology