[Histological renal changes after short-term preoperative irradiation. A contribution to the pathogenesis of irradiation-induced kidney damage (author's transl)].

Early morphological changes caused by irradiation of the kidneys are presented. Due to hypernephroid carcinomas, the tumour-carrying renal ends were exposed to 1,100-3,150 rad during 2 weeks and nephrectomy was performed 3-7 days later. At this time, changes of all renal structures were evidenced by light microscopy. Their irradiation specificity and reversibility or irreversibility are discussed. Very early and simultaneous lesions of the renal structures were essential findings in our material. In the sequel, secondary renal hypertonia and glomerula nephrosis additionally occurred. The human kidney was found to be an organ sensitive to radiation. This should be considered when applying irradiation to the renal region.