Radiation-induced inhibition of compensatory renal growth in the weanling mouse kidney

Weanling mice were given 500, 1,000, 1,500, or 2,000 rads single-fraction renal irradiation immediately following unilateral nephrectomy and sacrificed 3 days or 3, 6, 12, or 24 weeks later. Inhibition of compensatory renal growth was related to both radiation dose and time following treatment; it was transient following 500 and 1,000 rads but persisted following 1,500 and 2,000 rads. Renal growth was inhibited more than body growth. These studies indicate that the weanling mouse kidney is more sensitive to radiation-induced inhibition of compensatory renal growth than adult mice or other rodents.