[Membrane-destabilizing processes as the universal basis of inflammation]

It is established that active pyelonephritis and operative stress are accompanied with structural and functional changes in erythrocytic membranes: cholesterol and its ethers rose in quantity as well as difficulty oxidized phospholipids, cation adenosine triphosphatase activity changed. Being nonspecific, these changes seemed more pronounced in the active phase of chronic pyelonephritis. Minor structural rearrangement of membrane lipids in surgical patients indicated uneventful postoperative period. It is suggested that bacterial inflammation in the kidneys and urinary tracts may be related to the above shifts. The adjuvant use of dimephosphone produced a clear-cut membrane-stabilizing effect clinically reflected by reduced inflammation and improved renal function.