Impaired renal function in diabetic chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).

Studies were conducted to assess the renal functional state in two recently discovered diabetic chimpanzees. Both were nonobese, adult female animals with the non-insulin-dependent form of impaired glucose tolerance, analogous to the Type II or nonobese, maturity-onset diabetes of humans. Both animals displayed moderate-to-heavy proteinuria and glycosuria in response to intravenous administration of glucose or tolbutamide. Chimpanzee number 333, but not number 1037, had fasting proteinuria and chronic hypertension. Renal function studies, using the inulin clearance method, demonstrated significantly decreased glomerular filtration rates and elevated rates of sodium excretion for both animals. The rate of chloride excretion was also elevated in animal number 1037, but potassium excretion was apparently unaffected in both animals. Abnormal serum biochemical parameters demonstrated for chimpanzee number 333 included elevations in calcium, magnesium, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and uric acid; animal number 1037 had only an elevated serum creatinine. Results are consistent with the occurrence of renal disease similar to the nephropathy that develops in human diabetics. The difference in severity of renal impairment in the two chimpanzees is possibly related to differences in duration and severity of impaired glucose tolerance. A progression of both diabetic and renal disorders is most probable.