Radiation-Induced Inhibition of Compensatory Renal Growth in the Weanling Mouse Kidney

Abstract

Weanling mice were given 500, 1000, 1500, or 2000 rads single-fraction renal irradiation immediately following unilateral nephrectomy and sacrificed 3 days or 3, 6, 12 or 24 wk later. Inhibition of compensatory renal growth was related to radiation dose and time following treatment; it was transient following 500 and 1000 rads but persisted following 1500 and 2000 rads. Renal growth was inhibited more than body growth. The weanling mouse kidney may be more sensitive to radiation-induced inhibition of compensatory renal growth than adult mice or other rodents.