[The limits of recovery in hydronephrosis. An experimental pathological study]

The object of this experimental study is to elucidate the limits of recovery in hydronephrosis. Hydronephrosis in the rabbit kidney was made by left ureteric ligation for 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks, followed by relief of obstruction with uretero-ureteric anastomosis. Two and 4 weeks after relief, histopathological examination was performed. In proportion to the obstructive period, both proximal tubule and thin portion of Henle's loop showed atrophy of epithelial cells, multi-laminar thickening of basement membranes, and splitting between epithelium and basement membranes. The interstitium showed edema and subsequent fibrosis. These damages were thought to be due to severe ischemia, which such tubules did not recover and even showed more advanced damages after relief. On the other hand, thick portion of Henle's loop, distal tubule and collecting duct showed advanced compression atrophy and dilated lumen, while no severe ischemic damage was demonstrated. Therefore, after relief, they showed recovery, and, even in the case of no recovery, they showed no advanced damages. In hydronephrosis, severe ischemic damages brought about a loss of the ability of recovery.