Pathophysiology of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: A review of experimental data.

Since the association between nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and gadolinium contrast agents (Gd-CAs) was suggested in 2006, several experimental studies have been published to elucidate the role of these agents in the pathogenesis of NSF. Low stability Gd-CAs have a stimulant effect on human skin and fibroblasts in culture and modulate the production of collagen by these cells. Low stability agents have also induced NSF-like skin changes in a rat model with normal renal function after multiple repeat administrations. The role of the 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy rat model in investigating NSF remains under evaluation.