**6. Experimental models of congenital obstructive nephropathy**

The experimental analysis of urological obstructions dates back to antiquity. The physician Galen of Pergamon described ligature of both the ureter and the urethra in animals in the 2nd century A.D. (Galen, 1914). In the 21st century, surgical introduction of a urologic obstruction is still an important research tool. Other animal models of congenital obstructive nephropathy have been created by non-surgical approaches, including genetic manipulation and chemical induction. This review focuses on animal models for investigating the consequences of obstruction on the subsequent maturation and function of the kidneys and urinary tract. For an analysis of how mouse models have contributed to understanding ureter and bladder organogenesis from the earliest stages of development, we recommend Dr. Mendelsohn's excellent review (Mendelsohn, 2009).
