Caloric Restriction and Litter Size Do Not Compromise Renal Function of Male Wistar Rats

This work had the purpose of comparing some renal parameters of Wistar rats raised in small litters either freely-fed (G3L) or subjected to 30% caloric restriction (G3R) with those of rats from normal litters (G9) at the age of 90 days. The results showed that the relative weight of the kidneys and urinary flow were not significantly different. All the groups had GFR (glomerular filtration rate) and proteinuria within normal values, despite group G3R having values statistically lower. However, group G3R had diminished glomerular area and increased numbers of renal corpuscles. Group G3L did not exhibit differences compared with controls (G9). The effects of caloric restriction did not compromise kidney structure and function in 90-day-old rats.