[Modification of the number and structure of certain cytoplasmic components of the renal tubules during compensatory hypertrophy]

Abstract

In the remaining kidney of unilaterally nephrectomised three to six months old Wistar rats, the measurement of the external and internal diameters indicated an increase in size of both proximal and distal convoluted tubules, although less distinct in the latter. Stereomorphometric measurements of the chondriome and the cytoplasmic inclusions (lysosomes, phagosomes, peroxisomes, etc.) have shown, as compared with similar tests in shamoperated animals, changes in the volumes of these components which can be related to the increase of enzymatic activities reported earlier. However, no obvious changes of the general ultrastructure of the kidneys undergoing hypertrophy could be observed.