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Morphologic and immunohistologic study of pyelonephritis in rats by various bacteria and fungi. Special reference to
Abstract:
Experimental pyelonephritis induced in rats by a single intrarenal injection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans was studied pathologically and immunohistologically. The lesions which develop following intrarenal inoculation were similar to those seen during the course of pyelonephritis in man. Localization of the whole bacteria and the amorphous bacterial antigens and the whole fungi and the amorphous fungal antigens in the inflammatory lesions persisted up to 10-12 and 6-8 weeks, respectively. After that, continued inflammatory changes in progressive scarring can evolve in the absence of persistent bacterial or fungal antigens. Rat gamma globulin was localized in the plasma cells of the renal inflammatory infiltrates from 5-6 days to the end of the experiment (14th week). The incidence of progressive renal sclerosis was high in case of Candida pyelonephritis. The possible roles of progressive renal scarring by C. albicans are discussed.
Insights
This study investigated experimental pyelonephritis in rats using various pathogens. Findings show persistent antigens can lead to scarring, even after clearance, with Candida pyelonephritis showing high incidence of renal sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Pyelonephritis, a kidney infection, can lead to significant renal damage.
- Understanding the pathological and immunological responses to different pathogens is crucial for treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathological and immunohistological changes in experimental pyelonephritis induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans in rats.
- To determine the persistence of bacterial and fungal antigens in renal lesions and their correlation with inflammation and scarring.
Main Methods:
- Induction of experimental pyelonephritis in rats via intrarenal injection of pathogens.
- Pathological examination of renal tissues.
- Immunohistological analysis for localization of bacteria, fungi, antigens, and rat gamma globulin.
Main Results:
- Induced lesions mimicked human pyelonephritis.
- Bacterial antigens persisted for 10-12 weeks, fungal antigens for 6-8 weeks.
- Progressive scarring occurred even without persistent antigens; rat gamma globulin localized in plasma cells.
- Candida albicans induced a high incidence of progressive renal sclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Persistent inflammation and scarring can occur in pyelonephritis independently of ongoing antigen presence.
- Candida albicans may play a significant role in progressive renal scarring in pyelonephritis.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

