Uraemic arterial disease. An experimental study with special reference to the effect of parathyroidectomy.

A histophatologic study of uraemic arterial lesions was performed in rats. They were made uraemic by 5/6 kidney resection, and the aorta and peripheral arteries were examined after intervals of up to 36 weeks. The characteristics of the arterial lesions were necrosis of medial smooth muscle cells and, in some cases, calcification of the media. The changes appeared first in the aorta, but after long uraemic periods also in peripheral arteries. The incidence and severity of necrosis and of calcification were assessed separately. Parathyroidectomy largely prevented the development of calcification, and to a lesser degree also smooth muscle cell necrosis. The results suggest that secondary hyperparathyroidism plays an important part in the development of uraemic arterial disease.