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An ultrastructural study of the kidney of normal, copper poisoned and thiomolybdate-treated sheep
Journal article   Peer reviewed

An ultrastructural study of the kidney of normal, copper poisoned and thiomolybdate-treated sheep

S.R. Gooneratne, J.Mc.C. Howell and E. Aughey
Journal of Comparative Pathology, Vol.96(6), pp.593-612
11/1986
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Abstract

Histological, ultrastructural and kidney function techniques were used to assess changes in the kidney of sheep given either copper (Cu) or Cu and the Cu complexing agent thiomolybdate (TM), or TM alone. Kidney function was normal in sheep given Cu and TM together or TM alone. In these animals the cells lining cortical tubules accumulated Cu within numerous, large, electron-dense lysosomes. Sheep given Cu alone developed haemolysis, impaired kidney function and a variety of morphological defects including an increase in number of large lysosomes in cells of the cortical tubules. There was a breakdown of the glomerular endothelial lining and fusion of foot processes. Cells of the cortical tubules showed degeneration and necrosis and an increase in microbodies and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Cortical and medullary blood vessels were dilated, with evidence of breakdown of the endothelial lining. Copper appeared to injure kidney tissue at three sites, tubular epithelium, glomerular basal lamina and capillary blood vessels. Changes reported here are similar to the renal lesions in cadmium toxicity.

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