Vascular alterations in the canine kidney following obstruction of the urinary tract

Summary Changes in the vasculature of the canine kidney following four weeks obstruction of the ureter via double ligature is described on the basis of SEM investigation. Three significant alterations were observed: 1) A two-thirds reduction in the depth of the renal cortex as compared to controls. 2) Rarification of the entire cortical capillary bed. 3) Reduction in both the number and diameter of the glomeruli. The rarification of the post-glomerular capillaries is interpreted to be a pressure atrophy, whereas the reduction in the number of renal glomeruli and the concommitant diminuation of their capillary loops is thought to represent a functional atrophy.