The effects of Trichinella spiralis infection on renal function in rats

Trichinella spiralis infection was induced in rats by oral feeding of infective larvae. Four weeks later, renal function, including renal plasma flow (RPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), excretion rate of protein, sodium and potassium were determined using clearance technics. There were no significant changes in these parameters. However, plasma urea nitrogen was significantly higher in the infected group, suggest- ing that either an impaired regulation of renal tubular urea transport or an increased skeletal muscle break- down is likely.