Abstract: Objective To investigate RANK-RANKL expression in the kidneys of a rat model of puromycin aminonucleoside
nephropathy (PAN). Methods Thirty-six SD rats were randomly divided into PAN model group and normal control group.
PAN was induced by a single intravenous injection of 100 mg/kg puromycin aminonucleoside. Serum creatinine and 24-hour
urinary protein were measured on days 3, 7, and 14 after the injection, and renal pathologies were assessed with optical and
immune transmission electron microscopy. The expression of RANK and RANKL in the kidneys was examined using reverse
transcription-ploymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Results The PAN model rats showed massive
proteinuria and elevated serum creatinine on day 3, which peaked on day 7. RANK-RANKL protein and mRNA expressions in
PAN model group was higher than those in the control group. In the PAN rats, RANK was expressed mainly on the top cell
membrane and in the cytoplasm of renal podocytes with a significantly increased expression level compared with that in the
control group. Conclusion The PAN rat model shows aberrant RANK and RANKL expressions in the podocytes, indicating
their contribution to podocyte injury in PAN.