Experimental poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis in rabbits.

Viable group A, M56 streptococci were inoculated into subcutaneously implanted steel net cages in rabbits, thereby establishing a local infection. The infectious process was monitored by quantitating the number of bacteria in the cage fluids. Functional signs of renal lesion were followed by urine analysis and measurement of serum creatinine. All animals were sacrificed 2-8 weeks after the inoculation and showed histological and immunological signs of kidney lesions. The morphological and functional abnormalities observed closely mimic those of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis in man.