Renal cortical necrosis induced in rabbits by local perfusion followed by systemic administration of endotoxin

In an experimental model adapted to avoid severe systemic lesions, renal cortical necrosis was frequently induced in rabbits by repeated administration of endotoxin. The experimental model involves perfusion of the kidney in situ with endotoxin. Another dose of endotoxin was given intravenously 24-28 h before or after the perfusion. A significant effect of the perfusion or the endotoxin administered first was reflected by the pronounced unilateral morphological alterations appearing after the second administration of endotoxin. Some of the kidneys with cortical necrosis had band- or ring-shaped areas of preserved juxtamedullary tissue. Heavy infiltration of leukocytes at the borders of these areas called for commentation of the histological picture of infarcts, incorrectly described even in most modern textbooks.