Effect of unilateral nephrectomy on the healthy kidney in the rabbit [an experimental study]

ABSTRACT

The effect of unilateral nephrectomy on the contralateral kidney were studied functionally and histologically. Twenty normal adult rabbits were used. They were divided into 5 groups, control [1] and experimental from 2 to 5.The nephrectomized animals were sacrificed at regular time, 3 weeks interval between each group after nephrectomy. In group [2], 3 weeks after nephrectomy, the glomeruli showed mild reduction in the size of the glomerular tufts and mild widening of urinary spaces as well as slight elevation of nitrogenous urea. At the ElM level the glomeruli showed marked vaculations, the foot processes became short and thick and the basement membrane started to lose its regularlity in addition to disappearance of some capillary walls. The previous changes were obvious and progressed in correspondence with the period of sacrificed animals after nephrectomy.In addition to oedematous basement membrane, reduction in the number of glomeruli as well as mitochondrial degenerations. These findings suggested that there were marked hypertrophic changes within the glomeruli and marked increase in the level of nitrogenous urea and creatinine