Review article

Animal studies related to Balkan endemic nephropathy

B. Šoštarić ; Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
M. Peraica ; Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
R. Fuchs ; Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Basic field studies related to the animal population were performed in the region of Slavonski Brod, Republic of Croatia, where Balkan endemic nephropathy is an endemic disease. Pathological changes in several animal species from the locality were examined. The pig population in the area is numerous. Morphologically and physiologically pigs make an excellent animal model for studies of human diseases. Their use in studies should be encouraged, especially because there is a possibility that pigs and humans suffer from the same type of intoxication with a specific xenobiotic of natural origin. According to the mycotoxin theory about the aetiology of Balkan endemic nephropathy, pork meat might be one of the possible hazards for humans. Experiments on laboratory animals provide an excellent possibility to monitor several aspects of pathogenesis and all stages of pathomorphological changes which might then be correlated with Balkan endemic nephropathy, However; the experimental species should be critically chosen because some spontaneous, species-specific lesions of the kidneys are easily mistaken for changes induced experimentally.

Keywords

anlmal population; endemic disease; field studies; rural area

Hrčak ID:

148365

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/148365

Publication date:

30.3.1993.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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