Cell proliferation and apoptosis in Wistar rat kidney after renal mass ablation and low-dose irradiation

Cell proliferation and apoptosis in the remnant rat kidney after treatment with lowdose irradiation was investigated. Material and methods. In the first group (n=9), adult male Wistar rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy (NPX); in the second group (n=9), NPX was combined with low-dose irradiation. Rats without surgery and irradiation formed the control group (n=9). Results. Hypertension and proteinuria induced by NPX were decreased by 3-Gy irradiation. The 5/6 NPX rats showed a dramatic increase in proliferating and apoptotic cells in the glomeruli and in the distal tubules at week 2, which was significantly decreased by low-dose irradiation. Conclusion. The data demonstrate that low-dose irradiation is a factor slowing the process of chronic renal injury