Structural correlates of renal electrolyte alterations in acute renal failure

In this review, structural and ultrastructural alterations in the kidney in acute renal failure are described and illustrated in some detail. Morphologic findings in clinical and experimental acute renal failure of the type produced by ischemia and some nephrotoxins, so-called 'acute tubular necrosis' are compared and discrepancies between findings in clinical specimens and experimental models noted and discussed. Since perturbations in intrarenal electrolyte species almost surely play a major pathogenic role in renal injury and dysfunction, correlations between altered intrarenal electrolyte transport and abnormal cellular ion concentrations, and morphologic alterations are emphasized in this review.