Observations on the basement membranes in rat kidney

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Kidney basement membranes form a homogeneous matrix.
• Argyria is a condition where silver accumulates in tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the binding sites of silver in kidney basement membranes during argyria.
• To elucidate the chemical interactions between silver ions and kidney tissue components.

Main Methods:

• X-ray diffraction studies on "silver-stained" rat kidneys.
• Histochemical staining for sulfhydryl and disulfide groups.

Main Results:

• Most kidney silver in argyria is bound to sulfur.
• Sulfhydryl and disulfide groups are present in basement membranes and mitochondria.
• Silver ions precipitate in kidney basement membranes, binding to sulfur-containing groups.

Conclusions:

• Silver ions in argyria bind to sulfhydryl or disulfide groups within kidney basement membranes.
• Silver accumulation in the kidney involves chemical interactions with sulfur moieties.
• Mitochondria can also sequester silver through similar sulfur-based binding mechanisms.