Influence of X-Irradiation of the Dog Kidney on Erythropoietin Production

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Abstract
The kidney, exteriorized through a retroperitoneal incision, of unilaterally nephrectomized dogs was exposed to 3600 r in a single exposure from a 240 KV X-ray unit. A marked suppression in the erythropoietic response to an injection of cobalt was observed in the dogs 6 weeks following kidney irradiation. A gradual suppression in the excretory function of the kidney was also seen as indicated by lowered creatinine and PAH clearances at 3 and 6 weeks following kidney irradiation. Blood urea nitrogen values also progressively increased over the 6 week period after irradiation. It may be concluded from these studies that X-irradiation of the kidney in the unilaterally nephrectomized dog results in a significant suppression in erythropoietin production by the kidney and also produces a marked decrease in the excretory function of the kidney. The significance of these findings and their functional interrelationships to erythropoiesis are discussed.

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