Effects of X-Irradiation on Renal Function of Rats

¹ From the Department of Zoology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York

In a study of the direct effects of irradiation on the renal function of rats whose exteriorized kidneys were exposed to massive doses of x-rays, significant augmentation of the urine flow was observed 28 days after 2500 r. On the 7th day after 2500, 3000 and 4000 r the urine flow was slightly above that of control rats. The glomerular filtration rate was enhanced on the 7th day after 2500 and 3000 r. Conversely, 28 days after these x-ray doses the filtration rate was slightly below the control values. In the 4000-r, 28-day group, the glomerular filtration rate was 43% below that of the controls. No significant changes in the renal plasma flow occurred on the 7th day after 2500, 3000 and 4000 r. An insignificant increase in the renal plasma flow was noted 28 days after 2500 and 3000 r. On the 28th day after 4000 r, however, the renal plasma flow was 51% below that of the controls. We concluded that both augmentation and depression of renal function were the result of the direct action of x-rays on the kidneys. The results also suggest that renal failure resulting from direct irradiation damage to the kidneys is not a major factor that contributes to deaths occurring within 7 days after the exposure of rats to 4000 r or less of whole-body x-rays.