Vulnerability of the spinal cord to injury from extracorporeal shock waves in rabbits.

We studied the vulnerability of the spinal cord to extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT). In this experiment, 12 rabbits were divided into three groups (4 in each group). All animals underwent a preceding lumbar laminectomy at L4 1 week before ESWT.

Albumin induces cellular fibrosis by upregulating transforming growth factor-beta ligand and its receptors in renal distal tubule cells.

Albuminuria is indicative of nephropathy. However, little literature has focused on the role of albumin in renal distal tubule fibrosis. We used a well-defined distal tubule cell, Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK).