Partial ureteric obstruction in the pubescent rat. II. Long-term effects on the renal morphology

Partial obstruction of one ureter was created in pubescent rats (6 weeks of age) and its effects were studied after 1-15 weeks. Within 1 week, a considerable hydronephrosis and a moderate decrease in the number of glomeruli had developed. These changes did not progress with time. The renal parenchymal weight never became affected and the microstructure was only slightly influenced. Thus, the effects of a partial ureteric obstruction on renal morphology seem to be comparatively mild in this age group, and even less prominent than the modest changes previously observed in rats obstructed since the neonatal period. The reasons for this age difference and for the reduction in glomerular number are discussed.