The Effect of Diethylstilbestrol on the Susceptibility of Rats to Hematogenous Pyelonephritis*

Abstract

Previous observations of a high incidence of pyelonephritis and an exaggerated production of estrogens during human pregnancy suggested a possible relationship, which was studied in animals. Male and female rats were given diethylstilbestrol and were then challenged hematogenously with coliform bacilli. Varying degrees of hydronephrosis, an increased susceptibility to renal parenchymal infection, and the development of squamous metaplasia of the transitional epithelium of the urinary tracts was observed in estrogen-treated rats. These findings may have some bearing on the increased frequency of pyelonephritis during human pregnancy.