Comparison of renal function and histology in <i>xor</i>−/−, <i>xor</i>+/− <i>xor</i>+/+ mice.

<p>Renal function was assessed based on day 21 levels of plasma creatinine (A) and uric acid (B). Bars denote mean values +/− SEM; n = 3–4 mice. Asterisks denote p<0.05, compared to <i>xor</i> wild type. (D) H&E stained full thickness kidney section of a typical kidney from a <i>xor</i> KO mouse. Pathologic findings varied from focal deposits in mildly dilated cortical and papillary tubules to markedly attenuated renal parenchyma with large patchy scars, the latter most prominent in the areas with crystalloid deposits shown in the panel inset (10x original magnification). Note intratubular neutrophils frequently surrounding the crystalloid deposits in the tubular lumina mixed with necrotic debris (E) Panel D, viewed under polarized light, revealing the distribution of intratubular crystalloid deposits. (F) H&E stained kidney sections, visualized under polarized light with a yellow filter, 100 × original magnification. Brightly birefringent intratubular crystoliths were frequently observed, penetrating the tubular epithelial cells with apparent damage.