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Stenotic glomerulotubular necks in radiation nephropathy
E P Cohen1, K Regner, B L Fish
1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA. ecohen@mcw.edu
The Journal of Pathology
|March 4, 2000
Summary
Fibrosis in kidneys causes renal failure. This study found that captopril treatment prevented progression of atubular glomeruli in rats with radiation nephropathy, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Renal interstitial fibrosis correlates with kidney function and predicts renal failure.
- Fibrotic constrictions at the glomerulotubular neck have been observed in porcine radiation nephropathy and human Wegener's granulomatosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify glomerulotubular neck stenosis in a third species.
- To evaluate the effect of captopril treatment on radiation-induced nephropathy and neck stenosis.
Main Methods:
- Experimental radiation nephropathy was induced in rats using 17 Gy total body irradiation.
- Kidney histology was performed at 99 and 203 days post-irradiation using perfusion fixation.
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were monitored to assess renal injury.
Main Results:
- Radiation nephropathy led to renal injury, indicated by elevated BUN, which was attenuated by captopril treatment.
- Stenotic neck formation was observed at both 99 and 203 days.
- Captopril did not alter the fraction of stenotic necks but prevented the progression from glomeruli with necks to atubular glomeruli.
Conclusions:
- Glomerulotubular neck stenosis is a common feature of kidney scarring diseases.
- Stenotic necks represent an intermediate stage in the development of atubular glomeruli.
- Early captopril administration may prevent the progression of stenotic necks to atubular glomeruli.