Abstract: Objective To assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) on quantitative analysis of re⁃ nal cortex perfusion in hypertensive rabbits model. Methods Hypertensive rabbit modal (n=10) were established by inject⁃ ing N-nitro-L-arginin methylester (L-NAME). CEUS and Cystatin C (CysC) serum level analysis were performed at differ⁃ ent time points: before and the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th week after injecting L-NAME. Time-intensity curve and area under curve (AUC) were analyzed quantatively while correlation of AUC and CysC were also analyzed. Results Serum level of Cys C in⁃ creased significantly at the 6th week after L-NAME administration which is earlier than the increase of serum levels of Scr and BUN. AUC decreased at first then increased after L-NAME administration. Upon addition of L-NAME, rise time (RT) and peak intensity (PI) decreased while mean transit time (MTT), time from peak to one half (HPT) and time to peak (TTP) in⁃ creased. Our study confirmed a positive correlation between AUC and Cys C (r=0.950, P < 0.001). Conclusion Setting up rabbits model by L-NAME is convenient and reproducible, which is an useful tool in experimental study of preclinical and clinical phase of hypertensive renal injury. CEUS combining with CysC serum level analysis is considered as an effective technology for evaluating renal function in hypertensive patients.

Key words: hypertension, NG-nitroarginine methylester, rabbits, hypertensive renal injury, contrast-enhanced sonography, cystatinC, renal perfusion