X-ray microanalysis of uremic nephrocalcinosis: cellular distribution of calcium, aluminium and silicon in uremic nephrocalcinosis.

Nephrocalcinosis with a deposition of aluminum and silicon has been previously reported in uremic rats. To clarify the origin of these elements thin sections of renal cortex were examined by means of electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis. Studies were performed on subtotally nephrectomized rats (SNX) and sham-operated control animals. Electron microscopy of proximal tubular epithelial cells in SNX rats unlike control rats revealed severe mitochondrial disorganization; irregularity of the tubular basement membrane which exhibited various inclusions; and lamellar bodies within the brush border membrane. On x-ray microanalysis disorganized mitochondria contained calcium and silicon, while secondary lysosomes displayed aluminum and silicon. The tubular basement membrane of SNX rats, as well as lamellar body-like inclusions within the brush border contained calcium, aluminum and silicon together. It is suggested that lysosomal and mitochondrial interaction in proximal tubular cells of uremic rats may contribute to the deposition of calcium together with aluminum and silicon in the renal parenchyma, resulting in nephrocalcinosis.