ULTRASTRUCTURE OF EXPERIMENTAL XANTHOGRANULOMATOUS PYELONEPHRITIS

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 20  (2) , 155-167
Abstract
The ultrastructure of xanthogranulomas developing during obstructive suppurative pyelonephritis was studied in rats using a model involving a permanent ligature of 1 ureter and an i.v. injection of Escherichia coli suspension. The xanthogranulomas consisted of macrophages with numerous phagolysosomes containing phagocytosed polymorphonuclear leukocytes and bacteria. Lipids identifiable as triglycerides were found in such cells particularly as isolated intracytoplasmic droplets and, less frequently, within the phagolysosomes. The source of isolated intracytoplasmic lipid droplets within the macrophages has remained obscure. Their origin in the macrophages by synthesis could not be excluded, as in the polymorphonuclear leukocytes. PAS [periodic acid Schiff] positive cells occurring as late as 2 mo. after the beginning of the experiment at the periphery of xanthogranulomas contained multiple intracytoplasmic vacuoles, most probably phagolysosomes. These cells, probably the oldest ones of the macrophagic population in the xanthogranulomas, were virtually devoid of lipid droplets.

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