Sex-related changes in renal function markers, electrolytes and hematological indices of rats of different age groups in relation to protein excretion

The amount of protein present in the urine of rats differs with sex and strain. Female and castrated male rats excrete lesser amount of protein than normal males, but reach normal male levels if testosterone is given. This study aimed to determine the sex-related changes in renal function markers, electrolytes and hematological indices of rats of different age groups in relation to protein excretion. Fifty (50) male and female Wistar rats aged 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months were used for the study. At the end of the different ages being studied, urine samples of rats were collected over a 24-h period using metabolic cages. Thereafter, the rats were sacrificed under ketamine anesthesia and blood was collected into fluoride oxalate and potassium-EDTA bottles for the assay of renal function markers, electrolytes and hematological indices respectively. Data obtained were analyzed using Student’s two tailed t - test. Total protein concentrations in the urine of the male rats at age 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months were significantly higher ( p