Effect of Acute Renal Failure upon Cell Division in the Jejunum: Radioautographic and Ultrastructural Studies in the Mouse

Abstract

The effect of acute renal failure upon cell division in the crypts of Lieberlühn of the jejunum was investigated by radio-autography with tritiated thymidine in mice. Acute renal failure was induced in different groups by intraperitoneal injection of the nephrotoxic agent uranyl nitrate or by urinary obstruction. Cell division was inhibited in both groups and was most pronounced with severe renal failure. The inhibition demonstrated closely resembled that found in the proliferating connective tissue cells of wounds and in the esophageal epithelium in acute renal failure. A general inhibitory effect of acute renal failure upon cell division is suggested. Normal ultrastructural appearances were found in jejunal epithelium in severe acute renal failure. Inhibition of cell renewal in acute renal failure may contribute to the development of uremic lesions in the digestive tract.