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Published on: April 17, 2013
Observations on the basement membranes in rat kidney
The Journal of Biophysical and Biochemical Cytology
|July 25, 1956
Summary
In argyria, silver deposits in kidney basement membranes by binding to sulfur groups. This study reveals silver
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.
