Unilateral ureteral ligation leading to unilateral obstructive nephropathy is a well‑established model for the study of renal interstitial fibrosis. In most conventional procedures, surgery is performed via a dorsal abdominal approach. After identifying the renal pedicle and the anatomical course of the ureter, ligation is carried out at the ureteropelvic junction. Alternative approaches have also been reported, including low abdominal incision for ligation of the distal ureter. This modified method can successfully establish a unilateral ureteral obstruction model with fewer complications, simpler operative procedures, shorter operation time and higher survival rates. The pathological characteristics of renal interstitial fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral ligation closely resemble those observed in patients with obstructive nephropathy. Compared with other animal models of renal fibrosis, this model features straightforward operation, favorable reproducibility and rapid progression of fibrotic lesions. Accordingly, it possesses high practical value for investigating the pathogenesis of clinical renal fibrosis and evaluating related therapeutic drugs.

Male C57BL/6 mice, 8 weeks old
Modeling method: The left ureter was exposed, dissociated, ligated and transected, followed by layered suture. A stable renal fibrosis model was established on day 14 after surgery.
Evaluation indexes: HE staining, Masson staining

Renal tissue HE staining

Renal tissue Masson staining